Cristian Gamboa made his seventh Celtic appearance of the season last night, and it surely has to be his last.
Everything about the Costa Rican is full of uncertainty. Getting a big opportunity from Brendan Rodgers to prove his worth against Motherwell, Gamboa was as shaky as he’s ever looked during his time at the club.
Celtic now have a big problem down the right-back area. Whilst Mikael Lustig is a much more reliable player than Gamboa – neither have particularly impressed when given a shot.
Gamboa’s main attribute is apparently driving forward with his apparently blistering pace. Last night, however, he barely got forward to support Jonny Hayes. Even when he did, however, his end product was always lacking quality.
Supporters have been keen to see Gamboa in action since he signed for the club back in 2016. He’s consistently played second-fiddle to Lustig since arriving from West Bromwich Albion for £1million. Last night, he showed everyone why.
Poor going forward and when tracking back
He wasn’t just poor going forward, but he was far too easily beaten down the right side. Many may have missed it, but he also played a key part in ensuring Motherwell got their late equaliser.
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Firstly, the Costa Rican failed to clear the ball at the first attempt. He then failed to win a header before trying to desperately scramble the ball away whilst on the deck. He failed to do that too. Danny Johnson then punished him and took Celtic off the top of the table.
Defensive uncertainly isn’t anything that’s new to Gamboa. He’s consistently failed to look convincing at the back, with only two of his seven Celtic appearances this season ending in a clean sheet.
His performances for the club have shown just why Lustig gets so much game-time despite being shaky at times himself. It’s now down to the club to go out and find two better right-sided individuals to come into the squad in January.
It’s more likely, however, that Rodgers decides to bring one in and use Lustig for cover.
One thing’s for sure, he should’ve learned by now that Gamboa can’t ever play in a Celtic jersey again.