Celtic moved top of the Scottish Premiership table last weekend following a harmonious display against St Johnstone at Parkhead.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn set the Bhoys on their way before James Forrest flashed home a typically clinical finish, sealing another three important points in the context of the title race.
Connor Smith replied with a late goal from the visitors; however, there were a plethora of positives to take from an inspiring day on home territory.
Despite his initially difficult start to life in Glasgow, Kuhn was voted as Man of the Match for his exploits against the Saints and now looks to have fully recovered from his well-documented problems in the aftermath of dental surgery.
Per Sofascore, the 24-year-old earned a match rating of 9.1 for his showing, making three key passes and creating two big chances in the process.
Sometimes, it takes a while for players to adapt, though Kuhn has now started to reach his stride as he begins to deliver on his £3 million price tag.
The January arrival also earned some high praise from Brendan Rodgers, who shared his delight at the former Rapid Vienna man’s recent upturn in fortunes.
He stated: “He’s super quick and dynamic. I just think it’s been a little bit of time for him and you have to be patient. I know players get judged here on half an appearance, but he’s starting to show why he was brought in.”
Simon Donnelly says what has changed for Nicolas Kuhn at Celtic
Former Celtic man Simon Donnelly is no stranger to the strict expectations bestowed on the shoulders of players at his old side and believes Kuhn has began to turn a corner in his Parkhead career.
Despite some early issues, the 49-year-old now thinks the former Germany Under-20 international has found a new lease of life on the flank and is only likely to grow in confidence.
Donnelly stated [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard]: “Kuhn has come to Celtic and possibly found it a little bit challenging at the start to make an impact. I know he scored up at Pittodrie, but it hadn’t really been a positive up until the Livingston game.
“I thought he built on that at the weekend and looked really sharp. Maybe it just takes certain players a little bit longer to bed in.”
He later added: “We’re humans, we just look at the boy when he goes onto the pitch and expect everything from him from the first minute. He’s admitted himself that he’s found it a little difficult to find his feet.
“As I say, Livingston, he had an assist in that game, he popped up with a fantastic ball in for the Kyogo goal (vs St Johnstone), he gets himself on the scoresheet, and it looks as if there’s something there with him, it looks like he’s turned a wee corner with his confidence as well.”
Undoubtedly, Kuhn has added an extra element of verve to the Celtic attack due to his propensity to cut inside and beat his marker; meanwhile, his ability to dovetail with talismanic figure Furuhashi can only bode well over the coming weeks.
Celtic have lacked penetration from wide areas this term; however, we now look to have options on either side, which has coincided with an upturn in attacking fortunes, given that the Bhoys have scored 14 goals in their last three home matches.
Hopefully, this can be a sign of things to come after the international break as Rodgers aims to bring home two pieces of silverware by late May.