Vakoun Bayo eager to play as striking duo with Odsonne Edouard

By John McGinley

October 16, 2019

Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo is hoping to play alongside Odsonne Edouard more regularly, feeling that it could start providing the Hoops with regular goals, speaking to The Celtic View (16/10, page 21).

Manager Neil Lennon has, for the most part, opted to play just a single striker in attack, supported by three attacking midfielders.

Against Livingston though, chasing the game, he opted to bring on Bayo and play the Ivorian alongside the Frenchman up front.

It’s something that the player, who was signed in January when Brendan Rodgers was still in charge, relished.

Discussing how the Livi defeat went, Bayo had a bit to say about how the duo could play together more often in future.

As quoted by The Celtic View (16/10, page 21) he said: “We have two different styles and they can work well together. He will often drop into midfield and I am good at staying up and trying to get to the crosses.”

“In this game I tried to drop deep more to help create chances for Odsonne. There was not much space to play though and we weren’t getting the opportunities, so in the future I think both of us pushing up could give us the goals we need.”

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A viable option?

It may be appealing for Bayo, he would of course like more action in a Celtic shirt, but for the good of the team and overall performances, it’s probably best to maintain the status quo of one striker in attack.

The midfield Lennon has at his disposal is simply too talented right now. Players like Ryan Christie and James Forrest have, for the most part, flourished this season and a two-striker system could see them end up outside of their natural positions.

With others like Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mikey Johnston also pushing for first-team places, there’s not much room for a Bayo-Edouard partnership.

The way to proceed is with the Frenchman installed as the number one choice.