Why Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma don’t fit with Celtic as pundits point out other issues that are “not talked about enough”

Despite recent criticism of Celtic’s wingers, Andy Halliday maintains that the Hoops are not suited for their inside-cutting style.

With their most recent loss—a draw against Kilmarnock—and even in their victories, some of their other performances have raised doubts, the champions have given Rangers the upper hand in the Premiership title fight. Part of the story has been played up by wide men, who many fans believe lack imagination or desire to challenge full-backs.

The Motherwell loanee said to Superscoreboard on Radio Clyde: “This year, we’ve seen Celtic at their best, and it’s been excellent. We haven’t seen it enough, in my opinion. Regarding the wingers, what intrigues me is that everyone assumed Celtic would recruit a direct, quick winger who would immediately contribute to the club.

Bild zeigt: Nicolas Kühn, SK Rapid Wien – FC RB Salzburg, 09.12.23, Allianz Stadion, Wien, Austria © Red Ring Shots

“But when I watch Nicolas Kuhn, he’s always wanting to drift inside the pitch and when he’s taking people on he’s wanting to drive inside the pitch. But when teams are so compact, like Celtic face quite often, he’s driving into bodies.

“Whereas you look at last season when it was Maeda or Jota, their job was to stay high and wide on the touchline. When they get the ball, be positive and go forward.

“But Nicolas Kuhn wants to drive inside the pitch and is always looking for one-twos but he’s going into bodies. And that’s actually where Kilmarnock’s goal comes from. They lose the ball and actually I think his reaction to lose the ball is really poor. And within 10 seconds they lose the equaliser.

“Palma is another one that wants to drift inside the pitch on his stronger right foot and again enclosing that space.”

Reo Hatate is a Japanese midfielder who can set the pace when needed, therefore Halliday believes that his absence is another area where Celtic are severely hindered.

“I think the lack of Reo Hatate in the Celtic side is so important,” he continued. “I don’t think it’s talked about enough in games like the one against Kilmarnock this weekend when it’s a bit slow and they need tempo increased.”

“That industry, that pace, that energy and I think in games like that you realise how much they really miss him.”