Celtic star makes SPFL Team of the Week

Celtic’s Israeli teenage star, Liel Abada has made this week’s SPFL Team of the Week. The young forward has had to bear the brunt of the striking responsibilities since the attacking options have been depleted of late. The youngster has certainly rose to the occasion though, scoring against Ross County and two versus St Johnstone in Perth on Boxing Day.

Having moved to a new country, culture, and footballing environment to his native land, it is remarkable how quickly the player has adapted to life in Scottish football. The winger made an instant impact on his arrival, scoring a goal at Paradise against FC Mitdylland in a Champions League qualifier earlier in the summer.

He has gone through peaks and troughs, of that there is no denying. Abada can have a tendency to drift out of games on the wings sometimes and isn’t the greatest at beating his man one-on-one for skill or natural ability. Part of the problem has also been the lack of alternatives available to Ange Postecoglou, with James Forrest out for some time through injuries. This has forced the manager’s hand into playing the forward even through dip in form.

Credit to the player however, as he has gotten on with it regardless of the obstacles and criticism put his way. Many have called for the winger to be used as a central striker as it looks a more natural position for him, owing to his clinical finishing and pace over a few yards.

Abada’s recent displays at centre forward have not gone unnoticed outside of Celtic Park in recent weeks. The SPFL have included the small winger in their Team of the Week now which should give him more confidence after his recent spate of goals through the middle. Hopefully we have found another permanent option at striker as back-up to Kyogo.

Paul Gillespie