Celtic summer signing Giakoumakis continues to prove his worth after difficult start

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As far as starts to a Celtic spell go, lacking a pre-season through injury like Giorgos Giakoumakis did has to be among the worst.

Especially given how Giakoumakis alerted himself to Celtic and Ange Postecoglou. Last season, in a VVV-Venlo side that got relegated, he was the Dutch top-flight’s leading scorer, way ahead with 26 goals. That kind of pedigree had him talking to clubs across Europe, but Ange’s personal touch convinced him of a Celtic move.

This is history now, we know this. But it’s worth considering the false starts Giakoumakis had, and how he actually did properly make his first dent for Celtic. Against St Johnstone, in his first start, he scored a really well-taken goal. The following appearance, against Livingston, was defined by a tame penalty effort that could’ve wrapped up 3 points.

After that, his stock at Celtic wasn’t enormously high. He would suffer another injury, before doing extra work in the winter break. Ange said he was ready for the second half of the season.

Now, after two appearances from the start, and two goals, it’s hard to disagree.

Giakoumakis was excellent last night against Hearts. Leaving his goal aside for a second, if we must, his pressing was fantastic; he constantly bothered Hearts defenders and midfielders alike, winning 5 of his duels, and making 3 ball recoveries [Fotmob]. For a striker, that’s outstanding.

As for the goal, well; it was like watching Moussa Dembele, such was the cheek. A brilliantly worked finish with next to no space available, it would end up sealing 3 points for the Bhoys.

That’s two consecutive starts and two goals. Hardly bad going.

Celtic striker Giakoumakis is taking his chances, literally and figuratively

He’s not going to scored 26 goals for us this season like he did for VVV-Venlo in 20-21. However, his is an important role, and it gives us a different sort of dimension up front.

With his height, pace and relentlessness in trying to win the ball, Giakoumakis is a different kind of striker to the options Celtic otherwise have. Kyogo, when fit, is undoubtedly the number 1 choice, but the Greek striker provides a more physically robust, chaotic option. In games like last night, absolute wars of attrition at times, that’s more than handy.

One observation about each of the goals he’s scored for Celtic; they were each really classy finishes. His volleys against St Johnstone and Alloa, either side of New Year, were fantastically-timed, cushioned efforts that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Last night, it was a low cross from Matt O’Riley that did the business, nutmegging Craig Gordon sublimely.

The point here is Giakoumakis has been continually doubted. Especially after his penalty miss against Livingston. But bearing in mind all the injuries, the lack of preparation and everything else, it’s hard to argue we have haven’t still made a really good signing here.

Just like in midfield, we’ve got options now. Different kinds of players, making different kinds of contributions. Giakoumakis’ trade is in goals, and he’s delivering on that front, but he’s also equipped for what Ange Postecoglou needs; a passionate, resilient and relentless pressing force who unsettles defenders.

It’s taken a while. But now we’re seeing why Giakoumakis was wanted across Europe. We should be glad he’s with us.

Read more: One of the most welcome Celtic sights at Tynecastle last night was off the pitch