Nicolas Kuhn’s sharp decline in form has been one of the more disappointing storylines of Celtic’s second half of the season.
The winger was being spoken about as a potential Player of the Year contender not too long ago, but since his impressive display in the League Cup final win over Rangers back in December, his output and influence have dwindled.
Kuhn has managed just four goals since the turn of the year and was hauled off at half-time in the defeat to St Johnstone last weekend—a game in which Celtic’s attack lacked punch and creativity.
The decision by Brendan Rodgers to substitute him at the break was telling, especially given the significance of the fixture and what was at stake.
Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has weighed in on Kuhn’s drop-off and believes the German winger needs to show more—both in terms of performance and attitude.
Speaking on Go Radio, Grant said: “I”m a big supporter of Nicolas Kuhn, but I think since the Rangers game (League Cup final), he hasn’t played well as he did. There is no doubt in my mind to that.
“I think he needs to stand up to the plate. He needs a big performance with and without the ball to show people.
“I know he plays with that moody face, which drives me crazy, he plays with that moody face. You know what I am saying. Even when he has scored or made a fantastic pass, or whatever.
“Enjoy it, because it’s the best days of your life, and you maybe won’t have that support ever in your life again. For supporters who love you and are desperate for you to do well. All these things as a player.”
With Daizen Maeda powering past 30 goals and likely to scoop the season’s major individual awards, Kuhn’s fade into the background feels stark. There’s still time for him to turn it around and finish the season strongly, but it’s clear he needs to rediscover the spark that lit up Parkhead earlier in the campaign.
