Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson has singled out Giorgos Giakoumakis for praise following his hat-trick against Dundee at the weekend.
The Greek international came to Scotland with a big reputation, having finished top of the Eredivisie goalscoring charts last season for VVV Venlo. However, injuries curtailed the start of his Hoops’ career and it has taken longer than expected to get up to speed. Even so, Hartson feels that the decision to bring in the striker is now paying off:
“He’s on a high having scored his first hat trick for the club. He’s been a big difference as well. He’s come in he’s been the focal point. Totally different striker to Kyogo and Maeda who was also played up there.”
Giakoumakis is undoubtedly much more of an old-fashioned number nine than the other forwards at manager Ange Postecoglou’s disposal.
Kyogo Furuhashi likes to get in behind defences and Daizen Maeda looks to drift out wide, but Giakoumakis is very happy to be the target man, bringing others into the game through his hold-up play, and getting on the end of crosses.
Postecoglou will be delighted to have so many different options available to him as Celtic look to retain their position at the top of the table.
