Sport Nation 2Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has reasons to be optimistic about his team’s 2024/25 campaign. The club has demonstrated strong form across all competitions, a significant improvement from the frustrations of last season. This article explores Celtic’s resurgence under Rodgers, the standout performances of their players during the international break, and why Luis Palma, a lesser-utilized talent, deserves more game time moving forward.
Celtic’s Turnaround Under Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers’ first season back at Celtic Park in 2023/24 had its challenges. The team finished bottom of their Champions League group and was eliminated from the League Cup in the early stages. However, this season has seen a remarkable transformation.
The Hoops have secured their spot in the League Cup final, where they will face Rangers. In the Scottish Premiership, Celtic sits atop the table with 10 wins and one draw from 11 matches, holding off Aberdeen on goal difference and maintaining a significant nine-point lead over Rangers. Additionally, Celtic has achieved two wins in four matches in the revamped Champions League format, signaling their ability to compete on multiple fronts.
Rodgers will now focus on ensuring that players return from the international break fully fit and ready to continue their strong form. Among those players are several internationals who delivered noteworthy performances for their respective countries.
Celtic Players Shine on International Duty
Several Celtic players represented their nations during the international break, with mixed results. In Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Italy, Arne Engels struggled in midfield, losing all his duels and completing just 71% of his passes. However, other players impressed.
For Japan, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda appeared as second-half substitutes in their 4-0 win over Indonesia. While neither had a significant impact, their involvement reflects their continued importance to their national team. Kyogo Furuhashi, another key figure for Japan, remained on the bench.
Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Croatia, with Anthony Ralston playing the full 90 minutes and winning three out of five duels. Greg Taylor was an unused substitute, while former Celtic captain Callum McGregor enjoyed the game as a spectator following his international retirement.
Liam Scales stood out for Ireland in their 1-0 win against Finland. The central defender dominated defensively, winning six of seven duels and showcasing his reliability at the heart of the Irish defense.
In Canada’s 1-0 victory over Suriname, Alistair Johnston had a mixed performance, losing four of six duels. However, his team’s success underscored his ongoing contribution to the squad.
Luis Palma’s Heroics for Honduras
One player whose international exploits demand attention is Luis Palma. The Honduran winger was instrumental in his country’s 2-0 win over Mexico in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League. Despite starting on the bench, Palma delivered a game-changing performance after coming on in the 63rd minute.
Palma broke the deadlock within a minute of his introduction, reacting swiftly to slot home a rebound from Guillermo Ochoa’s save. His second goal was even more spectacular—a curling shot from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner. Palma’s 27-minute cameo included two goals from three shots, two duels won, and an impressive Sofascore rating of 8.4.
This stellar display highlights Palma’s potential, raising questions about why he has been underutilized by Rodgers this season.
Why Luis Palma Deserves More Opportunities
Since joining Celtic from Greek club Aris in 2023, Palma has struggled for consistent game time. This season, he has made just four league appearances, with only one start. Despite his limited minutes, Palma has shown glimpses of his ability.
In his lone Premiership start against Dundee, Palma provided four key passes and created a clear scoring opportunity in just 57 minutes. His creativity and goal-scoring instincts set him apart from Daizen Maeda, who currently occupies the left-wing position. While Maeda has contributed two assists and averages 1.1 key passes per game in 11 league appearances, Palma’s potential suggests he could offer even more.
Palma’s debut season at Celtic showcased his talent. He registered five goals and nine assists in 16 Premiership appearances during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign. However, his form dipped in the latter half, with just two goals in 12 matches. This inconsistency has likely contributed to his reduced role this season.
The Case for Luis Palma’s Inclusion
Palma’s international heroics should serve as a wake-up call for Rodgers. The 24-year-old has demonstrated his ability to perform on the big stage, and his confidence will be bolstered by his performance against Mexico. Incorporating Palma into the starting lineup could revitalize Celtic’s attacking options and provide the team with a fresh creative spark.
Rodgers has a history of nurturing talented wingers, and Palma could thrive under his guidance. With key fixtures ahead in the Premiership and the League Cup final, now is the perfect time for the manager to unleash the Honduran dynamo.
Conclusion
Celtic’s resurgence this season under Brendan Rodgers has been impressive, but there is still room for growth. The international break highlighted the depth of talent within the squad, with players like Liam Scales and Anthony Ralston delivering solid performances. However, it is Luis Palma’s display for Honduras that stands out as a turning point.
Palma’s lack of game time at Celtic is puzzling given his potential and previous contributions. His two-goal performance against Mexico is a reminder of what he can bring to the team. If Rodgers can harness Palma’s talent, Celtic could become even more formidable as they aim for domestic and European success.
The stage is set for Palma to make his mark. All that remains is for Rodgers to give him the opportunity to shine.
Amina Umar
Sport nation