Leigh Griffiths’ time at Celtic Park has been a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs. He has bounced back from several setbacks and it looks like he will get the chance to do the same once again, this time under Ange Postecoglou.
Questions had been raised for a while now about his form as well as fitness. Many will remember him being dropped from the club’s trip to France for pre-season friendlies last season due to fitness issues.
He did ultimately find his way back into the squad though, even if he was not a regular starter, and scored some important goals when on the pitch including one in the Quadruple Treble Scottish Cup final against Hearts.
A number of fans would have expected him to depart this summer but his contract has been extended by another season, as he looks set to be a part of Postecoglou’s plans next season.
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Griffiths has another chance to rediscover his best form at Celtic
The contract extension is definitely another chance to find his best form at Parkhead and prove that he is still one of the best players in all of Scotland. Postecoglou seemed pleased with the situation. As reported by Celtic’s official website, the manager said:
"“I am really pleased to keep Leigh with us for another season at least. I have had very positive conversations with Leigh and he clearly understands my expectations and more importantly the club’s.“Leigh has already proven himself as one of the top strikers in Scotland and I look forward to working with him so that we can bring success to Celtic Football Club.”"
It is safe to say that the reception from the fans has been mixed though. While some believe that Griffiths deserves another chance to prove himself at the club and are hoping for him to shine in Postecoglou’s style of football, others feel that the Hoops should have tried to make a fresh start.
At the end of the day, when fit and on form, Griffiths is still a great striker. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists while featuring for 901 minutes in total across his 26 appearances last season. That is a goal contribution about every 100 minutes.
Thus, there is no doubt that he is still very effective and all things considered, the club might have made the right decision by extending his stay. It will all depend on the 30-year-old’s fitness and form moving forward though.