Paulo Bernardo continued to show the balance he brings to the Celtic midfield.
Although Luke McCowan will rightly get all the plaudits with a goal and three assists, Bernardo’s ability to allow those around him greater freedom was clear to see.
The Portuguese midfielder gives an energy from a slightly deeper role, which also allows Callum McGregor to get forward when he sees the right opportunity.
With McGregor at times looking isolated against Club Brugge midweek, Bernardo’s ability to win the ball and progress possession effortlessly brings a different energy to the midfield compared to Reo Hatate and Arne Engels.
A number of supporters were hoping that Bernardo would be given a chance to start, and he did not disappoint this afternoon with a goal.
Considering the fact that all three of Celtic’s midfielders scored today, it shows a balance that most teams would dream of across Europe.
With Reo Hatate being a guaranteed starter for much of his time at Celtic, a performance like this afternoon’s will really raise the question of whether he will start against Aberdeen, with Bernardo and McCowan sensational against Don Cowie’s side.
