Nir Bitton has re-emerged as a real option for Celtic, and his timing is excellent.
Playing in his preferred holding midfield role, Bitton has made 22 appearances for Celtic this season. Although there were early season worries, most notably his needless red card against FC Midtjylland, he’s earned Ange Postecoglou’s trust with mature, composed performances.
The Israel international, though, has achieved something genuinely remarkable. He’s now won 17 trophies in 9 seasons [Celtic FC].
Following Celtic’s League Cup success on Sunday, Bitton’s medal collection has grown once again. But it gets even more insane when you consider the games to medals ratio.
According to Transfermarkt, Bitton has made 255 competitive appearances for the Bhoys. Divide that number by 17 for his competition wins, and it’s an average of a trophy lift every 15 games.
Proof, if proof were needed, how dominant Celtic have been over the last decade. 9 titles, an unprecedented Quadruple Treble, and now another League Cup to add to the collection.
That is absolutely incredible.
Bitton has featured in a less familiar position in recent seasons, to middling effect. Back in a decisive role between the defence and attack, though, he’s become important for Ange Postecoglou. Especially with injuries mounting in the Hoops squad over recent weeks and months.
Nir Bitton has again proven his quality for Celtic, while featuring in an incredible era
It’s worth mentioning how much better Nir Bitton has been for Celtic this season. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, he’s in his correct position more often than not, and it’s working.
He’s shown his passing abilities, hitting the mark with an impressive 93% rate in the Premiership [WhoScored?]. Defensively, the contributions are still there, averaging 1.3 tackles and 0.5 interceptions for Celtic in the league, while also showing real drive to get the ball forward, winning fouls and seeking out attacking opportunities.
It’s encouraging stuff. As a mainstay at Celtic, Bitton will have no doubt had opportunities to leave the club if he wanted to. In 9 seasons, there can’t be much doubt he’s asked questions about what else is out there.
He’s stayed, though. And he’s benefitting for it, even if his mantlepiece is starting to creak with medals.
Joined by compatriot Liel Abada, Bitton is another player who’s looked renewed by Ange Postecoglou’s presence in the dugout this season. It’s great to see. And given his incredible matches:trophies ratio, he’s clearly a good luck charm in the Celtic dressing room.
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