We are heading into the third international break of the season, and Celtic supporters will be twiddling their thumbs as they patiently wait for the return of domestic football once again.
Celtic have been in top form domestically since the end of the previous round of internationals, only dropping points in a tricky away day at Easter Road where it was clear that the squad was feeling tired and leggy following a hard-fought draw with Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
The most impressive performance was the recent demolition of Barry Robson’s Aberdeen side at the weekend, where a starring role from Luis Palma was the key talking point, with the Honduran grabbing a hat-trick of assists as well as a goal for himself.
One thing that has been noticeable this season is that a lot of the victories have come as a result of good team performances rather than relying on individual quality, but there have still been some highlight performances.
Here are some of the best individual performances from Celtic players so far this season:
Liam Scales vs Rangers // 3rd September 2023
Going into this fixture, Celtic were being viewed as the underdogs and confidence from the supporters in the team, as well as in Liam Scales’ ability to be a starter for Celtic, was extremely low.
Brendan Rodgers had stated to the players before the game that he “needed his men” and no one rose to the occasion more than Liam Scales, with the Irishman putting in a career-altering performance that sparked the resurgence we have seen from him this season.
The 25-year-old commanded Celtic’s box and defended astutely, winning all of his aerial duels whilst preventing wave after wave of Rangers attacks.
Daizen Maeda vs Livingston // 23rd September 2023
For the second time that week, Celtic had gone down to 10 men following the dismissal of Joe Hart for clattering into the onrushing Livingston forward Mohammed Sangare.
Celtic had fought valiantly that midweek after being reduced to 9 men in Rotterdam, so another sending-off could have had a knock-on effect in the second-half in West Lothian. Step up Daizen Maeda, who contributed massively to Brendan Rodgers’ men remaining in cruise control despite being a man down.
Maeda was rewarded for his hard work with an incredible goal late in the game, sitting down the defender before bending a long-range effort beyond Shamal George. He was singled out for praise by the manager after the match and his current absence from the team will most definitely be felt.
Reo Hatate vs Kilmarnock // 7th October 2023
A lot of criticism had gone the Japanese midfielder’s way in the early stages of the season, but he returned to his brilliant best at Celtic Park against Kilmarnock as he grabbed a goal and an assist.
Reo was phenomenal in the build-up to his goal, driving through the team before rifling Celtic ahead. In what has been a difficult season plagued with injuries for Hatate, this individual performance is undoubtedly the shining light of his campaign so far.
Luis Palma vs Aberdeen // 12th November 2023
There have been some standout performances mentioned so far, but this one definitely takes the prize. Palma’s crossing is one of the most underrated elements of his game, and he provided a perfect delivery for Yang to head home as well as a technically brilliant pass for Oh Hyeon-gyu to head in his first goal of the game.
The Honduran also ended Celtic’s penalty woes, as he comfortably dispatched from 12 yards and put his name in the hat for being the spot-kick taker in future.
A hat-trick of assists as well as a goal ensures that the 23-year-old’s performance has to be the best individual display of the season so far.
JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE
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