Mo Elyounoussi’s excellent performance for Celtic in the Europa League match against Lille on Thursday night has been recognised on the tournament’s website.
Elyounoussi scored twice for the Hoops in a 2-2 draw, his first goal in particular being notable. He curled a cracking strike into the corner of the net. The second was also a good finish, as the ball was behind him when he latched onto it and slotted it home.
Elyounoussi’s performance has moved him up to sixth place in the Europa League performance zone, which ranks performances in both European and domestic competition. That moves him one place ahead of Rangers’ James Tavernier, who is in seventh place.
Two places ahead of prolific English striker
Elyounoussi is also ahead of Harry Kane, the Spurs striker sits in eighth place. Elyounoussi was also named in the Europa League team of the week. He was the only Celtic player named in the line-up. It was a bit of a surprise to see no place for Diego Laxalt, who was excellent against Lille.
As for Elyounoussi, he should go into Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen on Sunday full on confidence.
It is interesting that the performance index ranks displays both domestically and in Europe, as so far this season it is in Europe that Elyounoussi has thrived.
Has thrived in Europe so far this season
Of the seven goals he has scored so far this season, six have been in European competitions. He has arguably been Celtic’s best player in Europe this season.
Now is the time for him to take that form from Europe, into domestic competition. There is no better game to start than the semi-final against Aberdeen.
Elyounoussi has a mixed history at the venue. He scored twice in last year’s Betfred Cup semi-final against Hibernian, but was taken off at half-time of the final against Rangers after a poor display.
The Norwegian looks in the mood to make up for that disappointment.
In other news, Steven Gerrard complimented Celtic in his latest press conference.
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