Patience is a virtue in life and Paulo Bernardo is proving that to be the case in the colours of Celtic.
Only a few months ago, many Celtic fans were still questioning and trying to work out what the midfielder was bringing to life in Glasgow.
Paulo Bernardo joined in the summer on a loan deal from Benfica. There is an option to buy him at the end of the campaign – he has spoken out about his future.
As a result, people were trying to find reasons to unlock that buy option, and in recent weeks, the 21-year-old has started to showcase and prove why.
Neil Lennon lauded the Celtic star during the 5-0 win over Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday and how he has ‘really come to the game during the last month’, as he told Viaplay (21/01/24 at 4:55 pm).
Since December, Paulo Bernardo has scored three and assisted two for Brendan Rodgers’ side, including opening the scoring during the win over Rangers.
These are huge strides from the youngster and he was rightfully getting his flowers from Neil Lennon.
Paulo Bernardo’s improvement
“It’s a great run and a great pass,” said Lennon about Celtic’s opener in the Scottish Cup. “The play is beautiful. The first touch and then the second touch to set him up beautifully.
“Then the finish is sublime. A little dink. Absolutely brilliant. It’s a lovely pass from Matt O’Riley.
“Bernardo has really come to the game now during the last month. He has become a very important player and that’s a facet of his game that he has improved on in the recent weeks is his goalscoring.”
Celtic’s midfield battle
The competition in the middle of the park is really starting to heat up at the right time, with the manager possibly having to make some big calls in these coming weeks.
Reo Hatate is one of the best in his country and you would imagine, when he returns from Asian Cup duty, he will get his place back.
But that would be harsh on a player like Bernardo who has been outstanding for weeks now.
Plus, you aren’t going to drop the skipper, whilst Matt O’Riley is the best in Scotland.
All in all, it’s a headache worth having for Rodgers and it’s in an area of the pitch that is growing in quality.
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