Celtic manager Neil Lennon has claimed that he’s “delighted” with Boli Bolingoli Mbombo’s performances since arriving at Parkhead.
The £3million (Scottish Sun) signing from Rapid Vienna has looked by far our most shaky one of the summer. Despite playing in six of our opening seven competitive matches this season, Boli has still yet to really find his feet.
Supporters haven’t been too enamoured with the new signing either. It’s early days in Boli’s career, but he’s looked too risky whenever he’s featured since his arrival.
But, despite that, Lennon isn’t having any criticism of his apparent Kieran Tierney replacement. Speaking to the BBC after yesterday’s 5-2 win over Motherwell, he had this to say on his new man.
“I’m delighted with him. He’s shown a lot of character.
“He’s still trying to find his feet, but as the games go on he’s getting better. There were a few erratic moments we’ll hopefully iron out. His second half performance (vs Motherwell) he can be delighted with.
“He seems to be under the spotlight at the minute.”
Lennon will know Bolingoli-Mbombo’s performances haven’t been good enough
It’s important to remember that Boli is getting used to a new country and a totally different football environment. The pressure in Glasgow will be a massive change from his Rapid Vienna days.
This will also come into Lennon’s thinking before he thinks about criticising him. He’s still new here, and must be given time to iron out his weaknesses.
The concern for Hoops fans, however, will be that those weaknesses look costly. Too often the Belgian is giving the ball away under no pressure. He doesn’t look comfortable under a high press, and more often than not seems to kick the ball out of play when he receives it. There’s a lack of confidence from him in anything he does.
The mistakes Boli has made, even this early in his Celtic career, have been some amateur hour stuff. But Lenny will know this, and will look to give his new man all the support he can to turn things around.
There’s next to no chance Boli gets dropped anytime soon. Celtic could go out and splash money on a new left-back, but Boli still looks like the number one.
Nobody can make the mistake of writing him off either, however. We have to stand by Boli considering how rough a patch he’s going through. He has his positive traits, and comes highly-rated by Vienna. For now, it’s simply a case of keeping the faith in him as he struggles to make an impact early on in his Celtic career.
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