Although a defeat in the upcoming Old Firm derby might change the scenario, Celtic are outright favourites to win the Premiership silverware under Ange Postecoglou. They were supposed to struggle after an array of key exits back in summer, but the magnificent transfer business helped them restore parity and accelerate the transition.
The Hoops lost Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard, but the likes of Liel Abada, Filipe Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi have been majestic so far in the attacking third. The majority of new arrivals are instant hits across the pitch, barring one who took time to settle in Scottish football before grabbing the limelight high up the pitch.
Giorgos Giakoumakis became the top scorer of the 2020-21 Eredivisie campaign despite VVV-Venlo’s relegation. He eventually signed for the Bhoys on the summer deadline, however, the blistering scoring run of Furuhashi restricted his gametime. Meanwhile, the Japanese’s injury proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Greek ‘number 9’ who fired in two hat-tricks recently against Dundee and Ross County. The Bhoys are flying high en route to reclaiming the Scottish crown and the former Celtic star turned pundit Kris Commons has hailed him as the ‘most lethal striker in the country’ in a recent interview.
“I played with a couple of really gifted, natural finishers in Gary Hooper and Leigh Griffiths. Giakoumakis is as good as either of them in front of goal. But he’s a different sort of player. He’s more physical than either Hooper or Griffiths.”
Commons told the Daily Mail praising Giakoumakis’ poaching traits and physical presence inside the box.
How Celtic Are Finally Reaping The Benefits
In spite of a slow start, the Greece international has fired in 12 goals in 22 appearances across competitions. Postecoglou scripted a January reunion with Daizen Maeda on loan (with an obligation to buy) from Yokohama F. Marinos to cope with Furuhashi’s absence, but the emergence of Giakoumakis has boosted the manager with ample attacking options in his armoury to aim for a domestic treble.
Celtic were relying on Albian Ajeti early into the campaign who, however, has now slipped down the pecking order and is surplus to requirements. Giakoumakis has all the attributes that the Swiss centre-forward lack as a targetman and the latter is set for a summer egress after failing to find a new club in winter.
While the club must prioritize permanent deals for Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, it remains to be seen how the gaffer rotates his attackers once Furuhashi is back in action.
