Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has managed to get the most out of his squad despite being in the middle of an intense fixture run at this stage in the season.
Following the Bhoys’ draw with Dinamo Zagreb in midweek, Rangers await this weekend in the Premier Sports Cup final, to demonstrate the extent of what is at stake.
Thankfully, the Irishman has a squad capable of contending with a heavy load after Celtic spent in excess of £30 million during the summer on eight additions.
Miring new arrivals with a distinctive pool of talent that has already been over the course, Rodgers’ men have placed themselves nicely for a tilt at both domestic and European success.
Evaluating the tools at his disposal, Peter Grant has reserved some special praise for one individual that an outlay was shelled out on.
Peter Grant on Paulo Bernardo’s brilliant Celtic contribution
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant made it clear that Paulo Bernardo has been one of the most impressive new recruits since joining permanently from Benfica, saluting his ability to fill the void Matt O’Riley left behind.
“You know I’ve always been a supporter of him. When I seen him last year, I thought it’d be a great signing for us, especially if we lost someone like Matt O’Riley at that particular time we’re talking then.
“He’s proven me right in the respect of that. I think he’s got a great understanding of the game. He doesn’t look to have a lot of pace, but he always seems to be in the right position. If anything drops, he’s first on it, and that tells you there’s a football intelligence there because you don’t need to be quick to do that.
“I always say that, he’s a great reader of the game in situations. He’s got very good feet, a soft touch on the ball which allows him to control the ball and pass it quickly because in tight areas, if you have that first touch and it’s away from you at that level, you lose possession and you’re chasing all the time. I’ve been really impressed with him.”
Paulo Bernardo is every bit the bargain for Celtic
Arriving for only £3.5 million, Bernardo has been worth his weight in gold so far for Celtic amid a series of industrious performances in midfield.
Star-trackers Fotmob show he has won 17 tackles, put in 15 successful crosses, and fashioned 24 chances on Scottish Premiership duty, proving his value in both boxes.
While Celtic have broadened their horizons in the transfer market, being able to secure personnel for financially advantageous sums that go on to deliver is another crucial part of building the foundations for sustainable success.
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