Celtic star Liel Abada has won plenty of plaudits this season, and it’s no mystery why.
Ange Postecoglou’s first substantial signing in the summer, Abada flew out the gate, and has been a perennial goal threat for Celtic in his debut season. Formerly of Maccabi Petah Tikva, not much was known in Scotland about the Israeli winger.
Plenty know about him now, though. With a ridiculous 25 goal contributions thus far [Transfermarkt], he’s likely to score or set up a teammate every time he plays. But that’s no surprise to a former manager, Guy Luzon, who coached Abada prior to his Celtic move.
Luzon said [Sun]: “Liel’s form isn’t surprising to me at all.
“I knew he would be good at Celtic. He is able to smell the situation and anticipate when the ball comes in. He is one of the best at that.
“I really believe because of his mentality and his quality he can play in the Premier League. I’m sure if he continues then the next step for him will be a move to an average club in the Premier League and from there it depends on him and the club.
“What is special about Liel isn’t only the skills to score goals, it’s the mentality. You feel no matter if he is good, if he scores or if he doesn’t score, he will always be the same.
“He has a top mentality and he’s very stable. He’s quiet and he’s the same guy today as the first day I coached him. He will always be someone who wants to learn and to listen and to develop.”
Liel Abada has been sensational for Celtic
Barring a small run of games in October and November, Liel Abada has been extremely impactful for Celtic. It’s little wonder his name featured in the terrace chant of early 21-22.
He’s scored classy goals, headed goals, vital last-minute goals and derby goals. His link-up play with Josip Juranovic has been utterly breathtaking at times, and he’s surely destined for a massive future. More than say, an “average club in the Premier League”.
While Celtic have him, we’ll treasure him, because Luzon is right; Abada’s mentality has been spot-on.
Since day one, he’s dug in and put the requisite effort in to thrive at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou. His direct running, either hugging the flank or cutting inside, has shown confidence and maturity beyond his years.
Let’s face it; you need to have a bit of resolve about you to move to Western Europe by yourself, at just 19, and perform like he has.
It’s been an outstanding debut campaign for Celtic winger Liel Abada. Long may it continue, though if the season ended tomorrow, we’d still look back on his first campaign in Green and White with utter admiration.
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