Tomas Cvancara has had a mixed time of it since joining Celtic in January.
It only took Celtic 12 months to replace Kyogo Furuhashi, as Pat Bonner compared the new kid on the block to the Hoops legend, who is now at Birmingham City.
Adding the out-of-form Daizen Maeda into the argument as well, Bonner stated that Cvancara ‘doesn’t put the same pressure’ on the opposition backline like the Japan duo.
On Sunday, Celtic were beaten by Hibernian, and Cvancara struggled as the lone striker, as Martin O’Neill replaced him after the hour mark with the scores level.
Rate Tomas Cvancara’s Celtic performances so far, from what we’ve seen…
Pat Bonner says Tomas Cvancara lacks the pressing of Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi
Maeda might not be the same this season, but that doesn’t mean the Celtic Park faithful haven’t been used to him being a pressing machine over the years.
Kyogo was the same during his prime, but Bonner told BBC Radio Scotland that when he watches Cvancara, the opposition can ‘play around him’ easier.
But Bonner didn’t just point towards the loan signing from Borussia Monchengladbach because he also feels those around him need to help him out.
“Cvancara up front, he’s quick when he gets into his stride, but he isn’t Kyogo and Maeda,” said Bonner. “He doesn’t put the same pressure on. People can play around him.
“Cvancara comes really, really deep. Somebody else has to occupy his space. You have to make a run.
“Oxlade-Chamberlain was asked to make that run. But I don’t think that’s his game. I think he wants to be on the ball. Getting the ball.”
How Cvancara has rated at Celtic so far
It was such a positive start from Cvancara, who provided a stunning assist on debut against Premiership leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.
Before the 25-year-old scored during Celtic’s win over Falkirk, but since then, life has been tough for the striker.
- WhoScored rating vs Hearts: 7.23
- WhoScored rating vs Falkirk: 7.16
- WhoScored rating vs Livingston: 6.11
- WhoScored rating vs Kilmarnock: 6.32
- WhoScored rating vs VfB Stuttgart: 6.3
- WhoScored rating vs Hibernian: 6.55
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