Michel-Ange Balikwisha hasn’t started life at Celtic like he would have wanted.
Whilst Sebastian Tounekti has made a rapid start and is looking like a quality Celtic signing, the reaction and feeling from the fans has been the complete opposite towards Balikwisha.
But on Sunday, Celtic netted a late winner against Motherwell, and Balikwisha was on hand to spark his career in Glasgow into life.
After being fed a through ball by fellow substitute Arne Engels, the versatile winger played a ball across the box, and it was headed home by Daizen Maeda.
Much needed for all those players involved, and very much welcomed with open arms by the fans:
Celtic fans react to Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s cameo from the bench vs Motherwell
The issue with Balikwisha is that Celtic fans have been frustrated with his refusal to do anything positive on the ball, try to play forward or take on his man.
But finally, the Celtic Park faithful saw a light, and many are hoping this kick-starts his career with the champions of Scotland.
Whilst supporters are quick to bash players when they aren’t playing well, they also make sure to showcase their love and support, as they have done with Balikwisha on social media.
@_CM_67_ added a bit of humour whilst praising Balikwisha: ‘Massive fan of Balikwisha’s first forward pass today being his assist. My winger.’
@DeclanBlair1967 showing Celtic’s struggling winger some love: ‘Appreciation Tweet For Michel-Ange Balikwisha. 🍀’
Brilliantly put by @BhoyCeltic88: ‘Great assist for the winner — hopefully the confidence boost he needs to kickstart his Celtic career 💚 #Balikwisha.’
Another Celtic fan hoping this is just the start for the Belgian: ‘Wee word for Balikwisha. Lovely run to find space in a packed area. Nice touch and fine measured cross for the winner. Some players can take a wee bit of time to adapt to new surroundings. Hopefully, he’ll kick on from today.’
@CelticF1rst thinks the right trio were involved for Celtic’s winner: ‘Not having a go at ANY fans here (inc myself!) but great to see the trio of Engels, Balikwisha and Daizen create that winning goal. Hopefully, they can all kick on from here. 🍀.’
@Kitson67 calls for Celtic fans not to write off Balikwisha: ‘Maybe folk shouldn’t write off Balikwisha after 180 minutes of football?’
Another Celtic fan hoping this is a confidence booster for Balikwisha: ‘Balikwisha’s assist to Maeda’s goal was a good cross, hopefully that’ll be a confidence builder for him and the beginning of his best yet to come. 🍀’
@Inmemoryofthet1 is seeing the light: ‘I have totally berated Balikwisha for weeks, today I saw flashes of potential, well done son!’
@Rich322020 certainly feels there is a player in there: ‘Balikwisha showing wee flashes as to why we bought him ….. surely we see more soon .. he’s definitely got potential to be good for us .’
@91LisLionLow is hoping there is more to come: ‘I’ve given them pelters for weeks, so credit where it’s due, Engels and Balikwisha superb for the winner. That’s what we need to see more of on a regular basis.’
Balikwisha’s cameo in numbers
The October international break is upon us, but hopefully, the Celtic players, as well as Balikwisha, head into that with a spring in their step.
Some huge games are coming up, especially in Europe, given the poor start, as well as the League Cup semi-final against Rangers next month.
Either way, this is how Balikwisha rated, via Sofascore, during his 12 minutes off the bench against Motherwell:
- Minutes: 12
- Assists: 1
- Dribbles: 1
- Touches: 14
- Accurate passes: 11/11
- Key passes: 1
- Big chances created: 1
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