The display of Hatem Abd Elhamed vs Cluj was by far one of the biggest positives of the night.
The big Israelipout in a dominant display at right-back, with nothing getting past him all night. In addition to that, he looked composed on the ball, and once again showed his pace and power up and down the right flank.
And it’s easy to forget that he also provided the assist for James Forrest’s equaliser against Dan Petrescu’s men. If it wasn’t for Elhamed, we could’ve been leaving Romania with a much less positive score than 1-1.
And it’s also fair to say the Celtic supporters have been appreciating his performance tonight on social media too. Here’s a look at what some of the Hoops faithful had to say on Elhamed:
https://twitter.com/Kevinopala1/status/1159202154151854080
https://twitter.com/Kitson67/status/1159206819773870081
Elhamed vs Cluj proved we have a good talent on our hands
Celtic have had one dragged out saga this summer in trying to find Mikael Lustig’s replacement. Finally, it very much looks like we’ve found it in Elhamed.
Sure, tonight wasn’t perfect. Some of his positional play could be worked on a tad. But that’s just being overly harsh. His display tonight for the Hoops was extremely pleasing.
He linked up well with Forrest throughout and proved he can play at a high level. For just his second Celtic match to be in a high-profile third qualifying round of the Champions League, and away from home no less – his performance showed real character.
He now automatically must be our first choice until he shows he shouldn’t be. And that also includes after we bring in another right-back to challenge him.
That still remains an essential part of our summer plans. Elhamed still needs proper competition for his place, and it’s down to Peter Lawwell and Neil Lennon to find it.
But the latter can certainly be delighted with his first right-back addition this summer. Elhamed really is looking like the real deal even this early on.
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