The enormous popularity of Kieran Tierney made things even harder for Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo at Parkhead since his arrival from Rapid Vienna. It was a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ regarding Tierney’s transfer to Arsenal and the 24-year-old Belgian professional, all over the place against Cluj in a crucial Champions League qualifier, was having a nightmare in his attempt to fill the void left by the homegrown Scotsman.
One game, however, has changed the fortune of numerous stars in Scotland over the years. Bolingoli was touted to be the weak link of Neil Lennon’s side ahead of their trip to Ibrox for the season’s first Old Firm derby. But the left fullback stunned the supporters and silenced the critics with an incredible performance to cement his place that was thought to be in jeopardy following the inclusion of Greg Taylor from Kilmarnock on the transfer deadline.
“I know people were talking about Christopher and me, but we both knew about the quality we had. We were confident going into the game, and we believed in ourselves. If we didn’t have that quality, then we wouldn’t be at this club. It was maybe just a question of time for us; we needed to adapt.”
The former Club Brugge fullback is relishing his time in Scotland as he welcomes the challenge from Taylor for a first-team place (as quoted by the Daily Record).
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Bolingoli’s performance took an upward trajectory at the right time. He was impressive against Hamilton Academical as well on Saturday afternoon in a tricky away trip, and the uprise must have convinced Lennon to stick with the Belgian even though Taylor has already appeared more than 100 times for Killie despite being 21.
The latter is familiar to the aggression and raw emotion of Scottish football, but, the European exposure of Bolingoli would boost the Bhoys to put up a better show abroad. Yes, Taylor is an incredible prospect, and this seems like a hard decision for Lennon. Despite that, the Celtic gaffer has to make the right call in playing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in the first team.
