Celtic star Liel Abada has finally received some credit for an underrated quality he possesses.
The Israel international has been a terrific contributor for Celtic ever since his arrival from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021.
While sometimes a little frustrating with the ball at his feet, his ability to pop up with goals has never been in question.
Abada netted 15 during a terrific first campaign, while he managed 13 last season despite not playing nearly as often. (Celtic Fitba Stats)
But while his finishing prowess has never been in doubt, some have raised concerns about other parts of his game such as his passing and final ball.
But in turns out that he has a real talent for creating goalscoring chances too.
As revealed by football research group CIES Football Observatory in a recent tweet, Abada is the man for key passes.
He ranks highest for under-23 players worldwide playing outside of big-five leagues — Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
Abada averaged 1.4 key passes per 90 minutes, with Cercle Brugge midfielder Yann Gboho in second with 1.35 per 90.
Interestingly enough his Celtic team-mate Matt O’Riley also finds himself in the top ten rundown, in sixth position. (1.13 per 90)
In truth, Abada can still be a bit of an enigma at times. You watch him some weeks and he’s totally electric, yet in other matches he looks unable to beat the full-back.
Yet his scoring record is immense and so, it appears, is his creation of chances.
Abada had been widely assumed to be leaving Celtic this summer but it has recently emerged that a chat with Brendan Rodgers has convinced him to stay.
It does feel like we may be on to even bigger things with him this season. One to watch.
In other news, Celtic have announced that the opening league fixture against Ross County has sold out
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