Nir Bitton didn’t exactly make the best start under Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
The Israeli international had been called upon as a back-up centre-back over recent seasons. It wasn’t always the best fit, and despite his history as a quality defensive midfielder, Bitton playing was often code for a defensive injury crisis.
Over time, it was almost forgotten just how good Bitton has been over a number of years for Celtic. Shoehorned into an unnatural role, though, he had a defensive mistake in him. It wouldn’t have been a huge shock if he’d left in the summer. Instead, though, he’s become crucial.
Filling in for either Rogic or McGregor, Bitton has been routinely excellent. Robust in the tackle, but adept at moving the ball with real quality, he’s been a safe bet for Ange Postecoglou and Celtic. Now, he’s earned more praise from the boss, and he’ll more than likely star again today.
Postecoglou said of Bitton [Herald]: “He’s been great.
“I came in with fresh eyes and a new perspective and I just look at how they are training and playing.
“Nir has been great since I got here. If you look historically, he hasn’t played that many games in the last three or four years in the league. Nir has played a lot at centre-back, but for us, I feel he is much better suited to the midfield.
“I’m not that involved in the dressing room to see [it], but I kind of know he is an important part of the leadership we have in there. He has taken Liel Abada under his wing and he has helped the young man to adapt here because they both have had similar experiences.”
Nir Bitton is just one of many players thriving at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou
Perhaps Ange Postecoglou reads 67 Hail Hail, because we’ve been talking up Nir Bitton this week, too.
Either way, it’s great to see a Celtic mainstay finally getting the props and the playing time he deserves. Yes, fine; he’s getting a run while key players are missing. But over the course of a season, you need your veterans to step up and give quality performances.
Bitton is doing exactly that. It didn’t take a particle physicist to figure out that Bitton could be more impactful in his natural position, behind two more attacking players in a midfield three. That’s where he was at his best before, and the same is true now.
In terms of leadership, too; that’s really important. Taking the armband in Callum McGregor’s absence, he’s one of several players who could ably lead the team. And it would be easy to draw a connection between him and Liel Abada, who came to the club from the Israeli top-flight, but it’s actually true that Bitton has helped Abada settle.
The effect? Abada has been an utter star for Celtic this season.
Throughout our history, including recent successes, guys like Bitton have stepped in and performed when it was absolutely crucial. Over the course of a season, we’re going to have injuries, leaders are going to be negated by problems, and we’ll need others to step up.
Bitton hasn’t once moaned about his role. He stayed content when played out of position. He’s never caused a fuss, made himself a problem or bemoaned his luck.
He’s been consistent, and at his best, an asset for Celtic.
He deserves his praise. And thankfully, he’s now getting it.
Read more: Former Celtic youngster on Tommy Burns’ sound advice and time with McGregor and Grealish
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