It’s amazing to think that Benjamin Nygren is still trying to prove his worth at Celtic, despite hitting 20 goals for the season.
That’s what Nygren has been up against all season, as Celtic have battled, toiled and struggled under different managers.
But on Sunday, Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 in extra time to progress to the Scottish Cup final, as Nygren scored goal number 20 for the campaign.
And amid criticism of the Swedish star’s place in the team, rather than being selfish, he showcased why he has the mentality to play for the champions of Scotland, with this brilliant answer to scoring 20, as he told Celtic TV.
On scoring 20 goals: “I am enjoying it a lot,” said Nygren. “Just trying to stay in the moment. Try to enjoy this as much as possible.
“But in the end, I came here to win titles as well, so that’s the goal. That’s why all of us are here at Celtic to win so much, and I want to win a lot.”
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Benjamin Nygren states that he joined Celtic to ‘win titles’
With that epic win over St Mirren, Martin O’Neill’s side are still in with a chance of winning the domestic double this season.
Given what has unfolded in Glasgow this term, and the fact that Hearts are currently top of the table, it would be crazy to think that Celtic could be lifting one trophy, never mind two, in May.
But it’s great to see that those inside the dressing room are mentally set up for this because, as Nygren pointed out, he came to Celtic to fill up his quite empty trophy cabinet.
“It was a very strange game when I think of it afterwards,” said Nygren. “We started the game really well. Put a lot of pressure on them.
“The first goal, Daizen, amazing pressing. Then I think we lost a bit of the intensity at the end of the first half, as well as in the second half. I thought we would win it in normal time – and then I don’t know what happened (in extra time).
“This has never happened before. We score three or four so fast, and kill the game. A crazy game. An amazing atmosphere when we scored the goals.
On scoring 20 goals: “I am enjoying it a lot,” added Nygren. “Just trying to stay in the moment. Try to enjoy this as much as possible.
“But in the end, I came here to win titles as well, so that’s the goal. That’s why all of us are here at Celtic to win so much, and I want to win a lot. My cabinet is not very full at the moment. I really want to add some trophies.”
Nygren’s season in numbers
Yes, you want more from the goalscoring midfielder, but during a campaign where everything and anything has been going wrong, one thing has remained consistent, and that’s Nygren scoring goals.
That’s a very good and underrated trait to have, and if Celtic can put better players alongside him, as well as stability, imagine what he can do then?!
Either way, this is how Nygren’s season reads in numbers so far, with the chaotic post-split fixtures now upon us all.
- Games: 52
- Starts: 37
- Goals: 20
- Assists: 8
- Total minutes: 3,426
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