In the wake of Celtic’s narrow 1-0 victory over Ross County, football pundit Michael Stewart has offered a critical perspective on midfielder Paulo Bernardo’s performance and overall contribution to the team. Despite a recent uptick in form, including some crucial goals before the winter break, Stewart expressed reservations about Bernardo’s fit within Brendan Rodgers’ system.
Stewart was candid in his assessment on BBC Sportsound: “Paulo Bernardo’s gone off. I’ve got to be honest, a lot has been made about him, settling in, looking really good. He doesn’t do enough for me, he doesn’t do enough. He doesn’t look like he is athletic, he doesn’t get involved in the game a lot. He has scored a few recently, but I am not seeing it.” This stark critique raises questions about Bernardo’s role in the team and his ability to consistently influence games.
However, it’s crucial to contextualise Bernardo’s performance within the broader dynamics of the Celtic squad. In the absence of Reo Hatate, who was injured and is now currently away with Japan for the Asian Cup, Bernardo has been a key figure in midfield. His contributions, particularly some significant goals, have been vital for the team. His standout moment came in the form of a brilliant goal in the derby prior to the winter break, underscoring his potential and value to the team.
While Stewart’s comments highlight a perceived lack of certain attributes – “He doesn’t have loads of energy. He doesn’t look like he has an eye for a pass” – it’s also important to consider Bernardo’s adaptability and effectiveness in a challenging role. Filling Hatate’s shoes is no small feat, and Bernardo has demonstrated a capacity to rise to the occasion, albeit in a different style than the Japanese midfielder.
Stewart further elaborated, “I am surprised Brendan Rodgers is giving him so much game time. He doesn’t strike me as a Brendan Rodgers type. He doesn’t look like he has an eye for a pass, I couldn’t really tell you what his main attributes are in the game. By no means is he is a bad player but I don’t look at him and think ‘he’s a standout, he’s a top performer’. I don’t really see what he brings to the team.” This viewpoint adds another layer to the ongoing debate about Bernardo’s role and impact at Celtic.
Despite these criticisms, it’s undeniable that Bernardo has been a more effective option than other alternatives in the midfield. His ability to find the net in crucial moments and to step up in Hatate’s absence has been noteworthy. While the game against Ross County should have been more comfortable, Bernardo’s ongoing development and contributions should not be overlooked.
