In his first few months at Celtic, Paolo Bernardo hasn’t been seen by many Celtic supporters, but so far, he seems like a player worth investing in coming in from Benfica.
Arriving at Celtic on loan from Benfica, Bernardo had a point to show. He gave an enticing glimpse of his potential in Wednesday’s match against the mighty Atletico Madrid.
After taking over for the injured Hatate ten minutes into the match, Bernardo found himself in the intense atmosphere of a Champions League night at Celtic Park. One could have excused him for any possible rustiness or anxiety considering his little playing time this season. Though he didn’t have many minutes, Bernardo looked to defy these assumptions by displaying a level of poise and competence.
Bernardo was a picture of composure when he was in possession, blending in with Celtic’s style of play and showcasing a beautiful variety of touches and close control. His ability to maneuver through confined spaces and hold the ball under duress gave Celtic’s offensive raids a fresh perspective and demonstrated that he can be an invaluable weapon in high-stakes games.
Bernardo’s defensive savvy and effort rate were evident when he was not in possession. His 44 completed pressures are a figure that attests to his dedication to the team’s goal and emphasizes his potent contribution on both ends of the field. To put this into perspective, a player with the kind of unwavering vigor that Maeda possesses would consider thirty or more pressures a typical workday. [Morrison, Alan]
It’s crucial to remember that, despite his remarkable performance, Bernardo is still a work in progress. He still has to work on reaching his optimal level of fitness and flexibility given Celtic’s tough schedule, as evidenced by the cramp he had in the closing minutes of the game. Nonetheless, his choice to persevere through the suffering rather than squander time demonstrates a noble disposition and mental toughness.
With a good number of games remaining in the season, it could be too soon to declare with certainty that Celtic should exercise the option to purchase. Nonetheless, the initial indications seem auspicious, and Bernardo has undoubtedly established his potential contribution to the team.
Celtic’s decision-makers would do well to monitor Bernardo’s growth throughout the season, evaluating not only his technical skills but also his adaptability and resilience. Bernardo may prove to be a wise investment and an invaluable addition to Celtic’s roster if he keeps going in this direction. His kind of potential is rare in the dynamic and always-changing world of football, and Celtic should give serious consideration to seeing this promising young player through to maturity.
