When it comes to the influence his acquisitions have had since joining Parkhead during the last two transfer windows, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has had mixed results.
Luis Palma has emerged as the most noticeable constant since the summer, despite the Honduran winger’s recent ups and downs in his starting lineup.
While Hyunjung Yang and Paulo Bernardo have displayed flashes of brilliance, few have sufficiently hit the mark in green and white on a regular basis.
Rodgers made multiple calls in the run-up to the mid-season trade window for “quality” reinforcements to come through, expressing a desire to push his team to new heights in both the domestic and European arenas.
After negotiations got underway, Celtic loaned German winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna and Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah, with the latter coming at a cost of around £3 million.
Idah has made a great impact for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt], scoring five goals and dishing out one assist in his first eight games.
Examining Kuhn’s case, it can be said that at first he used flattery to trick; nevertheless, this weekend against Livingston, the former Germany Under-20 international showed supporters what he is capable of, recording an assist of his own and consistently leaving visiting full-back Cristian Montano in his wake.
As he looks to establish himself on the flank, many will be hoping he can move past his early troubles in Glasgow, which included a period of weight loss following dental surgery.
Stephen McGinn’s assessment on Nicolas Kuhn, a Celtic winger
Commentator Stephen McGinn has thrown caution to the wind, asserting that Kuhn won’t necessarily be the show’s star for the rest of the season despite his thrilling performance against Livingston.
He does, however, think the winger displayed “much more positive” signals that Parkhead can build on in the upcoming months.
It’s early days, I mean, at home to the (team) bottom of the league, but it’s a wonderful ball for Daizen Maeda’s goal. There are obviously more positive indicators than previously, and it’s sad if he was struggling with the weight loss, McGinn stated [Go Radio Football Show].
“You’re judged on your performance whether you’re 10% fit or 100% fit, and up until Sunday where he showed glimpses, you’re actually you’re really worried in terms of him being on the five-and-a-half-year deal and thinking already with the winger issues, we might need someone to come in and replace him,” he continued.
“Hopefully, he can resolve the physical aspect of his problems and move forward from his improved performance. There are a lot more encouraging signs.”
As the season draws to a close, Kuhn has undoubtedly experienced some mitigating circumstances that haven’t worked in his favor. Hopefully, they are now behind him.
Rodgers obviously recognizes his ability, and given that Hyunjun Yang is suspended this weekend against St Johnstone, there’s a good chance he’ll get his second straight start.
It would be fantastic to see the 24-year-old step up to the plate if given another chance, especially as the Bhoys look to secure a vital three points.
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