It is fair to say that one of Celtic’s most improved players in season 2020-21 is striker Patryk Klimala. After rarely featuring for the Hoops in the second-half of last season, he has forced his way into first-team contention with some good displays this season.
He scored for the Hoops in the 1-1 pre-season friendly with Nice, and then scored his first competitive goal for the club in the 5-1 win over Hamilton, on the opening day of the season.
Faces battle to hold on to place in squad
Klimala must be pleased with how his season has gone so far. However, he now faces a battle to hold on to his place in the squad. This week Celtic completed the £4.5million signing of forward Albian Ajeti.
He will provide stern competition when it comes to the battle to play alongside Odsonne Edouard for the Hoops. However, Klimala should not take the signing of Ajeti as a slight. Instead, he can use it to take his game to new heights.
The player will no doubt be well-aware that the arrival of Ajeti will likely bump him down to third choice Hoops forward at the moment.
Should give it all even in cameo appearances
That should encourage him to give 100% in every chance he gets for Celtic, even if it is only a five-minute appearance as a substitute.
Klimala has managed to get into the first-team by performing well so far this season. If he can keep up his level of performance that should not change, even with the arrival of Ajeti.
Competition can be good for first-teams. It can encourage players to up their game, and stop complacency creeping into a squad.
The signing of Ajeti has certainly shaken things up when it comes to the Celtic forward line. Now it is up to the players already at the club to deal with the new arrival by performing well on the pitch. Is Klimala up to that task? If he is, he could have a very productive season for the Hoops.
In other news, David Turnbull feels he has overcome the knee injury which cancelled his Celtic transfer.
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