Celtic’s summer transfer business came under scrutiny initially, particularly after the loss of three first-team regulars in Aaron Mooy, Carl Starfelt and Jota, but some business completed late on in the window provided a bit more encouragement for supporters whilst still not fully satisfied.
Early stages of the season have shown promising signs from some of Celtic’s summer arrivals, but who has impressed the most?
Gustaf Lagerbielke
The Swede has seen the current ongoing injury crisis at the club open up doors for plenty of first-team minutes in the early stages of his Celtic career. His performances have caught the eye of Swedish national team boss Janne Andersson, who called the 23-year-old up for the recent round of international fixtures.
Lagerbielke has looked solid and composed in what has been a baptism of fire with him entering the team in a moment where the squad was under plenty of scrutiny from the fans and from the media. His first two matches produced a shock exit from the Viaplay Cup in the second round at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock and a 0-0 home draw against strugglers St Johnstone. These performances didn’t provide much inspiration from the team as a whole, but on an individual level, Lagerbielke showed up well.
It was a battling performance at Ibrox against Rangers alongside centre-back partner Liam Scales that earned the approval of the Celtic support as he dominated aerially and put his body on the line for the team as the club carved out a 1-0 win.
Rodgers stated that he “needed his men” and Lagerbielke stepped up to the occasion, something which Rodgers will no doubt have taken note of.
Odin Holm
Unlike his fellow Scandinavian Lagerbielke, most of the young Norwegian’s minutes have been from the bench and he has shown some positive signs in his limited minutes.
Showing composure beyond his years as well as a knack for a tackle and some slick passing, Holm has displayed similar qualities to what captain Callum McGregor offers to the team.
A standout point to take from Holm’s first few months would be that his best performances so far have come at some of the toughest grounds to visit in Scotland in Ibrox and Pittodrie. This will serve Holm well, and he is deserving of his inclusion in Brendan Rodgers’ Champions League squad.
Yang Hyun-jun
The South Korean has looked electric from the bench in his limited opportunities so far. His willingness to take on a man and carry the ball and the team forward hasn’t gone unnoticed by supporters.
Much like the aforementioned Odin Holm, Yang has also shown the early signs of stepping up for the bigger games, notching up an assist at Pittodrie as well as impressing from the bench against Rangers.
With Liel Abada expected to be out for the next month, that could open the door for more first-team minutes and further development for the man who was recently called up by Jurgen Klinsmann to the South Korean national team.
JAMES MCKENZIE
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