A lot has changed between Celtic’s two matches against Cluj at Celtic Park this season. In the game in August, the Hoops looked disjointed, Neil Lennon played players out of position, and the Hoops lost 4-3.
However, it looks different following the recent second meeting between the teams. Neil Lennon has the team playing well, they are on an 11 match unbeaten run and deservedly beat Cluj 2-0.
One player who has helped to play a part in that turnaround in Hoops left-back Boli Bolingoli. Bolingoli didn’t even play in the 4-3 loss to Cluj, after what had been a poor start to his Hoops career.
Key man in notable win
However, he was a key man in the recent win over Cluj, his brilliant cross was headed home by Odsonne Edouard to give the Hoops the lead in the game.
So good was his performance, that he was named in the UEFA Europa League ‘dream team’ of the best performers in match day two of the competition.
That accolade is testament to how far Bolingoli has come in his time at the club. He has knuckled down and after an indifferent start, shown why the Hoops paid Rapid Vienna £3 million for him.
Has to keep performing well
Bolingoli knows that he has to keep performing well as there is a player who is waiting to replace him at left-back when possible.
That player is Greg Taylor, who is yet to make his debut for the Hoops since joining from Kilmarnock. His lack of game time is down to how well Bolingoli has performed. Not many people would have expected that a few months ago.
That is down to how well Bolingoli has adapted to life in the Celtic side. He might have some bad games here and there, like every other player has. But at the moment, he has to be one of the first names of the manager’s team sheet.
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