CELTIC fans haven’t seen too much of Paolo Bernardo in his first few months at Celtic, but the early signs are promising, and as things stand, he seems worth investing in.
On loan from Benfica, Bernardo arrived at Celtic with a point to prove, and in Wednesday’s clash against the formidable Atletico Madrid, he offered a tantalising preview of his potential.
Replacing the injured Hatate just 10 minutes into the game, Bernardo was thrust into the high-pressure environment of a Champions League night at Celtic Park. For a player who has seen limited game time this season, one could have forgiven him for any potential nerves or rustiness. However, Bernardo seemed to defy these expectations, showcasing a level of composure and skill that belied his lack of minutes.
In possession, Bernardo was a picture of calmness, seamlessly integrating into Celtic’s gameplay and displaying a delightful range of touches and close control. His ability to navigate tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure added a new dimension to Celtic’s attacking forays, proving that he can be a valuable asset in high-stake matches.
Out of possession, Bernardo’s work rate and defensive acumen shone through. The statistic of 44 pressures completed is a testament to his commitment to the team’s cause and highlights his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the pitch. To put this into perspective, a player like Maeda, known for his relentless energy, would consider 30+ pressures a busy day at the office. [Alan Morrison]
Despite his impressive display, it is important to note that Bernardo is not a finished product. The cramp he pulled up within the final minutes served as a reminder that there is still a way to go in terms of reaching peak fitness and adaptability to the demanding nature of Celtic’s schedule. Yet, his decision to soldier on through the pain rather than waste time is indicative of a commendable attitude and mental fortitude.
At this juncture, with the season still having a considerable amount of games left, it may be premature to definitively say that Celtic should trigger the option to buy. However, the early signs are promising, and Bernardo has certainly laid down a marker for what he can bring to the team.
As the season progresses, Celtic’s decision-makers would do well to keep a close eye on Bernardo’s development, assessing not just his technical abilities, but also his resilience and capacity to adapt. If he continues on this trajectory, Bernardo could very well prove to be a shrewd investment and a valuable addition to Celtic’s ranks. In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of football, potential like his is hard to come by at a reasonable price, and it’s a glimmer of promise that Celtic should seriously consider nurturing to fruition.
