The performance of Boli vs Hamilton certainly seems to have caught the attention of some Celtic supporters.
The Belgian left-back had a well-documented ropey start to life in Paradise. He struggled in early performances against the likes of Motherwell, Sarajevo, and Cluj to name a few. However, since then, he seems to have finally found his confidence.
He starred at Ibrox as he kept the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Joe Aribo quiet two weeks ago. And he’s now followed that up with another extremely confident outing at Hamilton.
Here’s how some in the Celtic support have reacted to another fine display in South Lanarkshire:
https://twitter.com/ok_celtic/status/1172836546183139334
https://twitter.com/Kieran_Celtic/status/1172854826566344704
https://twitter.com/kebo1888/status/1172857705968668675
Are we now seeing the player Rapid Vienna hyped up so much?
There was certainly some confusion amongst the Celtic support when we first saw Boli perform. His shakiness and failure to make simple passes didn’t back-up his big reputation. And it’s fair to say he most certainly came highly-rated.
Vienna’s Sporting Director Zoran Barisic stated that he was Premier League quality (Daily Record). It’s fair to say that comment would’ve brought a few sniggers at first glance. But now it looks as though we’re finally seeing that potential.
Boli is no longer failing to control simple passes straight to him. He’s no longer just kicking the ball out of play under minimal pressure. And, perhaps most importantly of all – he no longer looks like Celtic’s main weak link.
All of this is perhaps the perfect evidence package for why fans need to give players time to adapt. Boli is like a different footballer, and has made that left-back spot his own. New arrival Greg Taylor will have to seriously perform to a high standard if he’s to compete for that spot.
His beautiful take-down yesterday late in the game with the back-heel was a beautiful sight. It showed a player whose confidence has rocketed. He’s becoming bolder, more aggressive, and more efficient by the week.
For Celtic, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered with a busy schedule ahead of us.
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