According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has been full of praise for the improved physique and work-rate being displayed by Polish striker Patryk Klimala in training since their return from lockdown. The forward who came into the Hoops side in January, looked seemingly unrecognisable with his shaved head upon return to first-team training at Lennoxtown this week. McGregor took the opportunity to comment on the attacker’s look, and likened his frame and figure to that of a ‘nightclub bouncer’.
With Callum McGregor praising Celtic’s Patryk Klimala, it does beg the question whether the Pole will be able to eventually take over from Odsonne Edouard as the first-choice at Parkhead. Speaking on the matter, the midfielder said, “Patryk has shaved his head a few times – he’s looking like a bouncer! He has come back looking in great condition. He’s obviously been working hard on the physical side during lockdown and he’s returned looking really strong. The good thing is he’s still looked really quick in training. It’s important not to lose that half a yard of pace when you are starting to bulk up a bit. But he looks in top condition and raring to go – as are all of the rest of the lads as well.”
What Kind Of Striker Is Klimala And What Does He Add To This Team?
The Polish forward has developed into the same mould of a striker as Robert Lewandowski and could work wonders under Neil Lennon at Celtic, if given the time and nurturing that’s clearly required. As good as he does look on paper, one thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the fact that Klimala is still only 21-years-old, and the Hoops fans will have to be patient for him to bring out his best eventually. With that said, it must be conceded that the forward had shown himself in an excellent light during his final days in Poland.
Standing at a little over 1.8m tall, the attacker isn’t the tallest player out there by any stretch of the imagination, but what sets him apart from the rest is his amazing instincts after entering the final third.
The forward knows exactly how to make the best use of his physicality, while also possessing the intelligence required to ghost his way around opposing defenders. A deadly finisher when in the box, another one of Klimala’s strongest attributes is his ability to recognise and execute a pass in even the most high-pressure situations.
What Has Klimala Achieved At Celtic This Season?
The forward only arrived at Parkhead from Polish outfit Jagiellonia in January and wasn’t allowed too much time to really announce himself in the city of Glasgow. Despite making a couple of late cameos in the league, the Pole wasn’t given the opportunities required to have an impact. Despite this, the striker’s four appearances for the Scottish club have all earned above average reviews. Given his overall quality, it’s only a matter of time before Neil Lennon gives him a chance in the first-team that he deserves.
Callum McGregor Praising Celtic’s Patryk Klimala: How Will Lennon Be Able To Use Him Next Season?
The forward tends to make extremely sharp runs in behind the opposition defensive line, while he also has the physical attributes required to impose himself in the final third as well. Although Odsonne Edouard was undroppable from the side last time out, depending on just one striking option for the entirety of the campaign is the easiest recipe for disaster. Although Leigh Griffiths is also sure to be in attendance at Parkhead, the inclusion of a young and dynamic striker like Klimala would pay gradual dividends for Lennon’s side, be it next season, or in the long run.
