It took Paulo Bernardo a while to get going, but you could argue that in the past few months, he has started to showcase real promise in Celtic colours.
The 22-year-old signed in the summer on a loan deal from Benfica until the end of the season, with an option to buy the midfielder.
At first, Brendan Rodgers was mainly using the Portuguese star in the Champions League, before handing him starts in the Premiership, which was aided by Reo Hatate’s injury.
That opening goal against Rangers certainly put Paulo Bernardo on the Celtic map and elevated his status with the Parkhead faithful even further.
But Michael Stewart offered a critical and harsh eye on the player by claiming that ‘he isn’t a Brendan Rodgers type of player’, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.
The lack of intensity in his game was highlighted and how he seemingly doesn’t have that bite to his game that Celtic needs
Paulo Bernardo under Brendan Rodgers
“All of these guys who have come in the summer have done nothing to strengthen the team,” said Stewart.
“Paulo Bernardo has been getting a run of games, but I have to be honest. I am looking at Bernardo, and Brendan Rodgers has spoken positively about him, but I don’t see him as a Brendan Rodgers type of player. I don’t see any intensity in his game.”
Should Celtic sign Paulo Bernardo permanently?
Just like when Matt O’Riley signed from MK Dons, the young star is a project signing and the hope is that he will transform into a top midfielder.
Look, he did make a slow start, but the signs are positive and Celtic should look to sign him for good in the summer.
It needs to be noted that he has O’Riley in front of him, but it would be interesting to see if he played that role because it wouldn’t be a surprise if he thrived even further.
Plus, as he showcased during the month of December, he has goals in him, there is a calmness to his game, and if he is provided with more exposure, then he will only explode further.
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