Peter Grant has lauded Paulo Bernardo for the performances he has been putting up for Celtic in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old arrived in the summer on a loan deal from Benfica and, initially, it started off slowly for the player.
Peter Grant highlighted how Paulo Bernardo looked like a ‘right good player without anybody talking about him’, as he told Go Radio.
Scoring goals has played a massive part in that for the midfielder, including opening the scoring for Celtic during the win over Rangers.
Peter Grant also highlighted the ‘bizarre’ and ‘incredible’ part of his game where he ‘never’ makes a tackle, yet he is very good at winning the ball back.
A ball-playing midfielder, the young Portugal star was, at first, used in the Champions League by Brendan Rodgers.
Before Reo Hatate’s injury saw him earn more minutes in the Scottish Premiership and now he has made that place his own in the middle of the park for Celtic.
And Paulo Bernardo was rightfully getting plaudits for his performances, including how Celtic should buy him outright in the summer.
“I thought he was one of the ones who was quiet, but looked a right good player without anybody talking about him,” said Grant.
“He used to do things. We talk about pressing. He would go towards you and make you kick the ball away. It was bizarre or he would nick it. I am thinking ‘that’s a great skill’. His touch was good. His movement and awareness. He gets into the box well. Picks good passes and has got a combination.
“I have never seen him have a tackle yet. But he wins quite a lot of balls. It’s quite incredible. He moves really, really well – he is a talented boy. I would sign him up if he continues in this vain of form.”
The harsh thing for Bernardo is that he might find himself out of the XI once Hatate returns from national duty with Japan.
Rodgers isn’t going to drop Callum McGregor, whilst Matt O’Riley has probably been the best player in Scotland this season.
That then leaves Hatate and Bernardo to fight it out, which is a selection headache you want as a manager.
But in the grand scheme of things, it increases the club’s chances of winning the title again because those competition levels are going to be fierce.
