As Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis screamed to the heavens against Raith Rovers on the 68th minute of the Hoops’ win, you could feel the relief emanating.
This is a guy who just doesn’t like to go on too long without a goal. It may not seem like that long ago, but the Greek striker was goalless since the 26th of January. That’s a gap of four games between strikes for the former VVV-Venlo man, and the frustration was palpable.
It’s not for lack of trying, either. With 1.7 shots a game [WhoScored?], Giakoumakis is getting into good positions repeatedly, and has hit 4 goals in his maiden campaign in the Hoops. A relentless presser from the front, the Heraklion-born forward is determined, dogged and desperate to add to his tally.
Injuries have, of course, been a major factor in his first season. When he’s on the pitch, though, he does make a difference. Against Rangers, for example, Giakoumakis was getting into positions to finish, roughing up opposition defenders and creating space for the wingers to attack.
In a game like Bodo/Glimt, that kind of physicality might be really useful. And Ange Postecoglou can cement the striker’s confidence by handing him a start against the Norwegian champions.
Yes, his stock and trade is in goal numbers. However, his contributions offer a different dimension for the players around him. Without Kyogo in the team, Giakoumakis has stepped up, and while far from being as prolific, he’s minimised the potential damage of missing the Japanese striker.
Giorgos Giakoumakis and his work rate deserve a nod from Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou
Ange has already, repeatedly, express his faith in Giakoumakis since he signed for Celtic. That includes both quotes and team selections, and by now, early doubters of the Greek striker can see what he brings.
Starting him in a European game, though, could be just the jolt he needs to turn work rate into consistent end product. And against a team like Bodo/Glimt, who also like to play a high press with ball-playing centre-backs, Giakoumakis could be more than handy.
Triggering the press from the front could be crucial. Both teams will be looking to make life uncomfortable for the other in possession. What Giakoumakis is particularly good at, though, is making life difficult for ball-carriers. He pressed Leverkusen and Ferencvaros relentlessly off the bench, and over the course of a game, could really wear down defenders.
On Sunday, it was Jota who found him in space to score against Raith Rovers. You’d imagine, barring some disastrous late news, that the Portuguese winger will be starting on Thursday night, and the link-up play we’ve seen between the two offers real promise.
Daizen Maeda is still an excellent player, and could really grow into his role at Celtic. But Giakoumakis has had longer to develop relationships with the players around him, and it’s occasionally paid dividends at crucial times. Having the Japanese speedster off the bench is hardly a bad thing, anyway.
This game won’t be make or break for Giakoumakis at Celtic, or anything like it. What a boost it would be all-round, though, if he can deliver another energetic and physical performance against the Norwegian Champions on Thursday night.
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