Joe Hart’s verdict on Nicolas Kuhn’s performance for Celtic after ‘tough half an hour’ v Atalanta

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Just what the doctor ordered for Celtic in the Champions League.

This was a positive step forward for Brendan Rodgers in Europe as his Celtic side recorded a 0-0 draw away at Atalanta on Wednesday night.

There was a lot of pressure on the backline heading into this game after Celtic conceded seven to Borussia Dortmund last time out.

But the team picked themselves up, even probably surprised many and secured a deserved point to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Celtic’s defenders and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will rightfully get plaudits for their efforts, but those ahead of them deserve their flowers as well.

Joe Hart was a pundit for TNT Sport and he was on co-comms for the game, with the Treble-winner sharing his thoughts on Nicolas Kuhn’s performance.

Joe Hart praises Nicolas Kuhn after Celtic draw at Atalanta

It needs to be noted that Kuhn had one of the most difficult tasks of the night and that was trying to stop Atalanta’s dangerman, Ademola Lookman.

Rodgers shared before the game he wanted to sign Lookman for Celtic, that was during his first spell, with the player now a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

But after a ‘tough half an hour’, Hart thinks Kuhn showcased his worth and he did ‘really well’ for the team, as he told TNT Sports (23/10/24 at 7:25 pm).

“Great effort from Kuhn,” said Hart about his performance as he was being subbed off. “He obviously, wants to bring goals and assists to the team.

“Like I say, after a tough first half an hour, where it was constant down the Atalanta left-hand side. He did really well for his team. He showed some good signs and sparks going forward as well.”

Kuhn’s stats for Celtic against Atalanta

Kuhn was on the pitch for 81 minutes, before being replaced by James Forrest and he was handed a rating of 6.61 by WhoScored.

Three Celtic players were rated over seven during the match, including the keeper and the centre-back duo, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.

Kuhn made one key pass during the match and also completed four tackles, which proved the pressure he and his teammates were under.