Norway winger Moi Elyounoussi believes he was “rusty” on the left-wing this week and highlighted how he’s used at Celtic when explaining why.
Moi, on loan for the season from Southampton, is heading back from international duty. The popular fan-favourite has played all three games for the Norwegian national side, with some mixed results. A 3-0 win in Gibraltar was followed by a 3-0 defeat at home to Turkey. He then produced a moment of brilliance to bag an assist in a vital 1-0 success in Montenegro.
This all came in his favoured position down the left flank. At Celtic, however, he’s operated either as a number 10 or inexplicably as a striker. Neil Lennon introduced this thought process and it’s been carried on by interim boss John Kennedy.
And evidently, Moi feels his ability to operate in his natural position has suffered because of it.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG, Elyounoussi said: “It has been very off and on (his performances). I was rusty. I have not played on the edge since last autumn, because at Celtic I have been used as a striker or as a 10. So I had a bad start in all the matches.
“I made simple mistakes that I usually never make, but when I got started and got to be myself again in the Montenegro match, you saw what I’m good at.
“I was already tired before the match, I must honestly admit. There were many players who were. It’s been a long time since I’ve had cramps, there were so many races back and forth, but luckily Ståle (Solbakken, Norway boss) was there to push us.”
Moi Elyounoussi will always be more productive down the left; Celtic vs Rangers display doesn’t change that
There’s a reason Elyounoussi hasn’t had the best second season at Celtic Park. Being played out of position will do that to you.
Yes he’s bagged 14 goals this season, but he’s been on a barren run in his last nine matches before the Rangers game. Throughout that period, Moi didn’t register a single goal or assist playing more centrally.
The majority of his contributions this season came pre-Christmas. That was a period when he was still being played regularly on the left before he was moved to a striker role. And whilst there were signs he’s clicking with Odsonne Edouard, it’s too little too late. He’s already shown far too much inconsistency up top.
It was much different last season when Moi was playing consistently down the left. Before the foot injury that kept him out for over three months, he had bagged 13 direct goal contributions in two months at the club. It was a stupendous return, and this was at a time where he was proving to be a real wide-left threat.
Why that hasn’t been resumed this season is anyone’s guess. The Celtic supporters have been banging on about this for a long time. Against Montenegro, we saw just how dangerous Elyounoussi can be in his favoured position. It was an assist labelled “artistry” by Norwegian commentator Petter Myhre. Leipzig striker Alexander Sorloth, who netted from the assist, also tipped his hat to Moi [TV2].
Yet he’ll come back here and play centrally against Falkirk on Saturday. Credit to Moi for doing anything he’s told to try and help the team. But let’s not pretend we’ve been using him correctly this season.
In other news, Kennedy has spoken out on Nick Hammond’s Celtic departure.
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