Would current Celtic style have suited Vakoun Issouf Bayo?

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Neil Lennon’s style of football at Parkhead has become one of the main talking points.

Only two of Lennon’s nine games in charge have seen Celtic perform to an impressive standard. The 2-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Hibernian and the 3-0 semi-final success against Aberdeen were standout performances. The first 45 minutes against Rangers was also a terrific display, but a near-capitulation in the second-half almost cost us the points.

Lennon’s side are certainly getting the ball out wide enough. Plenty of crosses have been coming into the opposition penalty area with no takers. It’s been one of the most frustrating elements of Lennon’s style so far.

But it makes you wonder whether the piece of the jigsaw Lennon truly needs is actually out injured in Vakoun Issouf Bayo.

We’ve yet to see Bayo in action for a substantial period of time. He’s only managed one substitute appearance during his time at Parkhead since signing for £2million from Dunajska Streda in January.

Injury appears to have set him back for the season. But his inclusion may very well be what Lennon’s missing.

John Kennedy said after Celtic signed Bayo that he could help Celtic gain an aerial advantage. Too often, Celtic have been lackluster from set-pieces and cross-balls this season. Lennon even touched on it after the 0-0 draw at Easter Road on Sunday.

The last time Celtic scored directly from a corner was back in November against Hearts. It was Filip Benkovic who rose highest on that day. Since then, not one player has smashed home from one, and we rarely look a threat from set-pieces or high cross-balls.

Celtic style should suit Bayo

Bayo’s main strength is apparently in the air. He has the physical prowess to hopefully make us a threat from cross-balls again. And his unavailability could prove costly to Lennon, who is seeing far too many crosses go unchallenged.

You can argue that Odsonne Edouard should have the aerial threat required to take advantage of crosses. But despite the Frenchman scoring the odd header, it’s hardly his strongest area.

Should Lennon get the job permanently, that should excite Bayo. Celtic are certainly looking to exploit the flanks a lot more under the Northern Irishman, even if the pace of our play is often slow.

But the former Dunajska Streda man could have the attributes to really become a star under Lennon. Certainly, if Kennedy’s words on his skillset are correct, crosses into the box should be bread and butter for him.

The most important thing for the Ivory Coast star, however, is that he gets himself back fit for pre-season. Everyone is keen to see what kind of talent we have on our hands here, but it’s just a shame he hasn’t been able to make an impact under Lennon so far.