After losing three of their previous four matches in all competitions, Celtic delivered a statement performance at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
The Hoops won 7-1 against last season’s runner-ups in the division, Hearts, and were 5-1 up against their rivals before the referee blew the whistle for half-time.
Martin O’Neill‘s team were ruthless, clinical, and aggressive throughout the afternoon as they looked to put things right after their 4-1 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Northern Irish head coach opted to go with young forward Callum Osmand on the left flank, giving him his full senior debut, and it was a decision that certainly paid off.
Why Callum Osmand is undroppable for Celtic
The Jersey-born youngster returned from injury to play off the bench against Benfica before being thrown in against Hearts, and he already looks undroppable.
Sebastian Tounekti failed to deliver a single goal or assist in eight appearances in the Premiership heading into this weekend, yet Osmand was able to find the back of the net twice in his first start in the same position.
The Tunisia international has not shown enough quality when he has been given chances to start on the left side of the attack, which is why the former Fulham man should have the shirt for now.
With Jota still nursing his way back to full fitness after coming back from an ACL injury, Osmand could nail down a long run of starts if he can stay fit and remain in good form.
Why Benjamin Nygren is undroppable for Celtic
The 20-year-old talent was not the only attacking midfield player who caught the eye in the win over the Jam Tarts, though, as Benjamin Nygren also impressed.
They combined for four of the team’s seven goals on Sunday, with two apiece, and caused constant problems for the Hearts midfield and defence with their movements centrally and out wide.
|
Vs Hearts |
Osmand |
Nygren |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
45 |
90 |
|
xG |
1.3 |
1.15 |
|
Shots |
2 |
5 |
|
Goals |
2 |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
1 |
|
Pass accuracy |
75% |
94% |
|
Ground duels won |
4/8 |
3/3 |
Both players excelled in their respective roles, helping the Hoops to obliterate their opponents, after they were both left on the bench against Benfica, which is why they should both be considered undroppable moving forward.
Celtic need players who can consistently contribute at the top end of the pitch and Nygren and Osmand both have the potential to do exactly that in their positions.
Better than Nygren and Osmand: Celtic have found the new Engels
Whilst the attacking midfield duo excelled against Hearts, another performer on Sunday looks like the club’s best player since central midfielder Arne Engels.
Celtic sold the Belgium international to West Ham United for a fee of £22m after he scored 17 goals and provided 22 assists in 100 matches in all competitions from a central midfield role.
The Belgian star offered consistent quality as an attacking force, relative to his position, and Camilo Duran is quickly following in his footsteps at Parkhead.
He was the best player on the pitch against Hearts with his performance in the centre-forward role, after playing on the right in the previous two games, as the Colombia international produced a goal and two assists.
Duran had the most goal involvements (three) and the most ‘big chances’ created (two) on the pitch for the Hoops, which speaks to the influence that he had in the final third, and shows why he outshone even Nygren and Osmand.
|
Vs Hearts |
Camilo Duran |
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
60 |
|
xG |
0.75 |
|
Shots |
5 |
|
Goals |
1 |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
|
Assists |
2 |
The left-footed star typified Celtic’s performance with his ruthless and effective use of the ball at the top end of the pitch, taking five shots, scoring one goal, and providing two assists from just 18 touches of the ball.
Duran has now scored nine goals and delivered five assists in 15 appearances in all competitions since joining from Qarabag for a fee of £5.5m during the summer window.
Just as Engels did during his two years in Glasgow, the Colombian striker is proving his worth by scoring and assisting goals at an exceptional rate, making a difference for the team in the final third week-in-week-out.
If he continues to perform at his current level, it may not be long before teams take notice of his goals and assists and attempt to make a move for him in the same way that West Ham did with Engels.
