Nicolas Kuhn is beginning to show his Celtic class following two excellent performances in the Scottish Premiership against Kilmarnock and Hibernian.
The German winger arrived in January, and much anticipation surrounded his potential impact. However, early complications with dental surgery limited his scope to make an impression under Brendan Rodgers.
Nevertheless, his pre-season showing against Manchester City has set the tone for a strong start to the new campaign. Delivering on the hype, Kuhn has gone on to register two goals and an assist in his opening two appearances,
Staking a strong claim to be outright first-choice on the right-hand side of attack, the former Rapid Vienna man has struck up an exciting partnership with Alistair Johnston supporting him from deep.
Now, the Canadian defender has offered his thoughts on Kuhn and how, due to his inventiveness and trickery, he is becoming a feared presence.
Alistair Johnston lauds Nicolas Kuhn’s Celtic impact
Johnston has lauded the way Kuhn has integrated into the group at Celtic and has backed him to become a star player this year under Brendan Rodgers.
He explained [Daily Record]: “Nic, he’s actually a reasonably quiet person, but he likes to have a good laugh and he’s a good lad. He likes to be a part of it. He’s got a great little relationship with a couple of guys, Yang as well. It’s funny trying to see them two communicate in their broken English. But it’s stuff like that that you do like to see and it does make a difference on the pitch. And you can see it when one guy scores, they’re doing a celebration for the other guy, things like that.
Later, he added: “I think he’s definitely more comfortable now in his role. He’s understanding, and he’s finding that confidence. We’re putting him in a better position to be the player that he is and to understand that we signed him for what he brings to the game. He’s not afraid to show that.
“You can see his directness and his confidence on the ball. He’s not just ‘touch and lending’ it. He’s now actually driving it, going at people. And I tell you what, he’s a nightmare to defend because he can go inside, he can burn you on the outside and put it onto his right foot. So he poses some serious threats.
“I think he’s really now picking up on the winger cues in terms of getting in at the back post, reading those kind of moments. He’s really kicked on and I think that will be a big level that he’s going to show this entire year.”
Nicolas Kuhn continues to find Celtic confidence
What Kuhn’s recent form tells you is the impact having a full pre-season under can achieve. He arrived at an awkward moment last term in the middle of a title race, so there was a lot of pressure on him to deliver.
Losing weight due to dental surgery didn’t help his case. However, he is now enjoying the benefits of a run without external matters complicating his progress.
Finding full fitness, he looks sharp and confident in his role, driving at defenders and creating openings for himself and his teammates.
Excitingly, you get the impression that he can still improve. If he can slightly refine his end product, he could run riot in the Scottish top-flight this term.
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