Celtic striker Patryk Klimala showed great hunger and work rate after coming on as a second-half substitute against Nice yesterday evening.
Just 15 minutes after being sent on by manager Neil Lennon, he bagged his first goal, closing down a kick from goalkeeper Teddy Boulhendi before slotting the ball calmly into the back of the net.
Supporters on Twitter think Klimala is showing more desire than Leigh Griffiths, who was left out of the squad for the friendly due to a lack of fitness:
Makes Griff look like an amateur.
— stew fin (@sfceltic86) July 17, 2020
so impressed with how much work he’s done on and off the pitch, fully deserves to take Griffith’s spot
— jake mcghee ? (@jakemcghee12) July 16, 2020
Makes Griff look embarrassing it’s sad to say. Hard working, professional, good attitude
— Chris’ electrical services. (@terry_munro_) July 17, 2020
That will do for me!
— Kaiser (@thebhoyQuinn) July 17, 2020
Fair play to the kid, Learned English and worked harder than most to get into best possible shape to make an impact this season.
— JC (@BxlfastBhoy) July 16, 2020
Sort of guy we need.??HH
— Angrykid 1888 (@Angrykid1888) July 16, 2020
I have a good feeling about Klimala this season the guy has worked hard to get in Lennon’s good books, we might see Edouard and Klimala form a new partnership unless Griff can force his way back in. ?☘️#CelticFC #COYBIG
— Celtic Now And Forever ☘️ (@celtic_now) July 16, 2020
As Lennon said after the game, though, the Polish Under 21 international is a work in progress but he has come back after the lockdown with something to prove.
Klimala’s desire to press and harry, combined with his aggression and physicality, offers something very different from the other options in Celtic’s first-team squad, and he is firmly laid down the gauntlet to the likes of Griffiths ahead of the new season.
