Celtic's transition from Daizen Maeda to their next versatile attacking star has been seamless, and former Hoop Charlie Mulgrew believes his old club may even have upgraded.
The Bhoys have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, already winning four straight games and with one foot in the league phase of the Champions League after defeating LASK 3-0 in the home leg of their qualifying playoff.
Martin O'Neill needs more help with new signings, likely with three or four new recruits needed, including up to two midfielders, a left-back and a goalkeeper.
But while Celtic's business has not been expedient, the quality of the incomings has been impressive, and it has shown in the early stages of the season. Kasper Hogh exploded onto the scene with four goals in one game, while Camilo Duran properly announced himself to the Celtic faithful with two superb goals on Wednesday night, even while playing out of position on the right.
Mulgrew thinks Duran could be better than Maeda
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Celtic midfielder Mulgrew said of Duran: "
What a player. The work back the way [is] similar to Maeda used to do, the way he works back.
“The difference is that Maeda was a bit of a speedboat with no driver at times. Take nothing away from him, that’s no disrespect to him – because a lot of the time, he done what he done for the job – but technically, he wasn’t the best.
“Duran looks technically very good. Those two finishes last night tell you everything that you need to know about him. He keeps his on it [for the first goal], finishes it, and sometimes you can get lucky with them.
“The second strike shows that he’s not lucky, he opens his foot up, uses the defender and guides it past him. It’s just goals that Maeda might’ve snatched at, would’ve went over the bar, we’ve seen him go down the line a few times, make a cross out the pitch.
“Duran just looks another level again, and it’s a definite upgrade. It’s a great signing, £4.5 million is great business."
There is more to come from Duran
Celtic fans saw what Duran is capable of on Wednesday night, with O'Neill seemingly giving the forward more licence to roam from his current position out on the right. Duran then rewarded his boss with hard work in tracking back, still not skipping his winger duties.
That could be the best way to get the best out of the Colombian, given Hogh will likely continue to occupy the number nine role. But it will also be interesting to see how Duran does in his usual striker role at poins of games, and points of the season, when Hogh is not there.
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