Ange Postecoglou lauds 'extraordinary' Liel Abada; shares what he needs to improve on at Celtic

By Milo Clay

March 8, 2023

Ange Postecoglou has been speaking about Celtic youngster Liel Abada and he’s labelled the winger’s numbers as ‘extraordinary’. 

Celtic are preparing for a clash against Hearts tonight after they thrashed St Mirren 5-1 on Sunday. 

The Bhoys pulled off a stunning second-half turnaround after they trailed 1-0 at the break and Abada was the star of the show.

The 21-year-old came off the bench to score and provide an assist, helping the Hoops maintain their brilliant run in the Scottish Premiership. 

Abada is having to bide his time in Glasgow as he bids to become a regular starter under Postecoglou. 

The Israeli winger made the switch to Parkhead back in 2021 and while he hasn’t nailed down his place in the Celtic side as of yet, Postecoglou is certainly pleased with his development. 

Postecoglou praises ‘extraordinary’ Abada 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Hearts tonight, Postecoglou was asked about Abada’s development since he joined from Maccabi Petah Tikva. 

The Celtic boss feels Abada has benefited from joining a brilliant dressing room, but praised the youngster for the improvements he’s made under his guidance. 

“He’s done remarkably well, he was still a teenager when he came, he was 19. I think in the last, close to 100 games, if you look at the impact he’s made just from goals and assists,” Postecoglou said. 

“Yeah, as a winger that’s a requirement for us. You have to produce goals and assists because of the way we play. That’s easier said than done, particularly for a young player and he’s constantly delivered. 

“He’s always looking to improve himself and the way he plays. I can see that. The improvements of Liel are more around his decision-making during games and how he can best use the talents he has. Like any young player, that needs time, it needs experience. 

“Whilst he’s been learning, he hasn’t stopped impacting or being a really key contributor to us. His numbers for a winger are right up there, extraordinary and he’s another one where I know there’s more to come.” 

Abada could still do with nailing down a regular starting spot in Postecoglou’s side but it’s clear that the Australian boss is delighted with his recent performances. 

The winger has registered 19 goal involvements in all competitions during the current campaign. And if it wasn’t for Celtic’s brilliant options out wide, he’d probably be starting from the off more often. 

He will be hoping to get the nod against Hearts tonight as Ange has already hinted that he could make changes.