The Celtic support are still waiting for their first proper look at summer arrival Paulo Bernardo.
The Portuguese youth international was an exciting signing late in the transfer window. Despite his move from Benfica only being a season-long loan, it was felt that he could add some real quality to our midfield options.
Bernardo arrived having played virtually no football over pre-season and his start at Celtic has continued in a similar vein. Since signing, he has featured in just three matches, all in the latter stages of matches from the bench.
Bernardo played around 20 minutes in his debut against Dundee, ten against Feyenoord and 20 more in the midweek loss to Lazio. He’s had a few shots from distance in that time, but it is far too early to come to any sort of judgment on him.
What we do know is that the best is to come from him. His issue will be forcing a way into a strong-looking midfield that features Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley.
While it is extremely early in his time at Celtic, he did remind me a little of Aaron Mooy in his cameo on Wednesday night. He doesn’t appear to be blessed with much pace, but he looks strong and able to produce some neat passes just like the Australian.
Mooy was a huge player for us at times last season. If Bernardo can have a similar sort of impact we’ll be laughing.
It would be nice to get a proper look at him against Kilmarnock. But, with him soon heading off to play for Portugal’s under-21s during the international break, we may only see the best of him on his return.
In other news, Reo Hatate talks Rodgers, injury, supporters and Celtic happiness in rare interview
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