Liel Abada has certainly been getting plenty of responses on Instagram from some big names after he proved to be Celtic’s hero against Dundee United yesterday.
Indeed, Liel’s last-minute goal against the Tannadice men ensured we took the points at Celtic Park and closed in on Rangers at the top of the Premiership. The gap is now only 2 points heading into Wednesday’s derby in Glasgow’s East End.
It was the second time Abada has netted against Tam Courts’ men this season. Impressively, it also took his direct goal contributions this season to 20, with 12 goals and 8 assists to his name [Transfermarkt]. And as he reflected on the game on Instagram, the likes of Manor Solomon, Yossi Benayoun, Beram Kayal, and some current Celtic teammates were quick to respond:
There was certainly plenty of support and recognition for Abada’s key contribution yesterday. The likes of Daizen Maeda, Josip Juranovic, Nir Bitton, and Adam Montgomery all chipping in with praise.
Exciting Israel talent Solomon also lauded the achievement whilst Benaoyun and Abada’s former team-mate Asi Buzaglo were there to offer their congratulations.
It’s clearly a moment that was well-acknowledged in Abada’s homeland. It’s also the kind of moment that could seriously rocket the player’s career further.
Liel Abada is becoming one of Ange Postecoglou’s best Celtic signings
There was a period between October and November where some were actually getting a touch frustrated with Abada. There was inconsistency in his game and that remains the case despite his last-minute winner yesterday.
However, that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. We’re talking about a 20-year-old talent coming from a totally different footballing and cultural environment. He’s doing insanely well for a player in his position.
We have to be able to accept that with players of this rawness and inexperience, there are going to be prolonged periods where he struggles to perform. That’s just the nature of dealing with young players. Abada has come out the other side of his latest slump in form and looks in exciting form once more.
When it comes to Ange’s top signings, the likes of Kyogo and Jota have rightly been mentioned. Joe Hart is also widely appreciated whilst the form of Cameron Carter-Vickers has been difficult to ignore. However, Abada’s influence on the team cannot be underestimated just because he goes through rough patches.
He’s been fit for large spells of the season and has produced big when it has mattered. He’ll be one of our most important assets against Rangers this week, and you would fully expect him to make a statement in the game too.
To think we only paid £3.5m for Abada now seems like daylight robbery [Scottish Sun]. We have an incredible talent on our hands here. You can’t not be excited by him.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou still can’t believe people had Celtic written off in October
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