Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien has stated that he’s “not happy” coming off the pitch with bumps and bruises, but that he’s always up for any battle.
Jullien has certainly been in the wars at times this season. In battles against Lyndon Dykes, Marios Ogboe, and Sam Cosgrove, the Frenchman hasn’t been afraid to do the dirty stuff.
Yet it’s fair to say that he certainly takes his fair share of knocks for the club. On more than one occasion has Jullien played on despite clear head injuries that have been bandaged up. The latest came last Thursday night in Copenhagen, when he picked up a knock from Dame N’Doye before playing on and commanding the second-half.
However, speaking in the Times, Jullien has admitted that he doesn’t particularly enjoy the feeling after these battles, with occur frequently in Scotland.
“After certain games I’m not happy to come off at the end covered in bruises but it is what it is. In England and Scotland, the game is more physical and there is always going to be an element of going to battle.
“I’m ready for that now. Kristoffer Ajer was talking yesterday about some of the hits he’s taken but sometimes you can’t be pretty if you’re going to win battles.
“Sometimes I prefer to ignore opponents and sometimes I prefer to use it to try and get into the head of the striker and to play with him. The important thing is to stay on the field.”
Jullien has gotten used to the physical stuff
It’s probably fair to say that Jullien is at his most vulnerable when up against physical centre-forwards. Strikers such as Ogboe and Cosgrove have managed to get some joy out of him in the past. But Jullien is looking more and more confident as the season goes on.
He’s clearly getting used to the physical challenges, and he’s come a long way since that performance against Dykes at Livingston in October.
The way Jullien managed to take charge against N’Doye last week as mightily impressive. Despite picking up a head and nose knock, the towering Frenchman played on and effectively secured us a point with his defending.
The next couple of weeks will be a good opportunity for Jullien to show how far he’s come too. Tonight, he takes on N’Doye in the second leg of our Europa League qualifier. Next midweek he’ll be up against Dykes once more when Celtic travel to Livingston. Ibrox will then loom as Jullien renews hostilities with Alfredo Morelos.
You can’t have a pop at Jullien for not enjoying coming off with knocks. Who would? But it’s the fact that he’s willing to do it for the cause that’s the main thing. He’s clearly getting more and more used to Scottish football, and his form has shown that.
What do you make of Jullien’s comments? Do our centre-backs get enough protection at times? Let us know in the discussion forum below.
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