Celtic fans may be missing the bigger picture with Kasper Hogh
Celtic have had several strong scorelines already this season. None the least being the latest 3-0 win over LASK.The benefit of bringing in quality strikers is evident. Plus of course, Benjamin Nyegren continuing his goal-scoring exploits from last season.
Some Celtic fans, though, are still asking questions about the new forward line. They are very happy with Camilo Duran. And why not, his two superb goals against LASK were very much on form. He also played for the team with some excellent chasing down of LASK players.
The questions are about Kasper Hogh, and in this case I reckon the fans are missing the point. Hogh missed a few chances on his debut against Dundee. He followed that up with a powerful hat-trick at Kilmarnock. But hasn’t hit the back of the net in the last two matches, at Dundee United or at home against LASK.
Celtic fans need the bigger picture on Hogh
It’s not exactly a goal drought is it? But Hogh has attracted a few random mutterings about a shortage of decent goal attempts in those two games. Wise fans have taken a look at the players’ overall performance and impact on the team.
Looking at the Champions League match on Wednesday night is a great example. Hogh didn’t get many goal chances. A blocked shot on 20 minutes was his closest attempt.
But there weren’t many great passes to create chances for him. Hogh though spent the game battling up front with the LASK centre-backs. That was quite a tussle and with quite a few fouls by the defenders against him, it’s perhaps a surprise there wasn’t a yellow card shown.
Kasper Hogh invaluable for Celtic
Hogh provided an outlet for the Celtic defence and midfield. Something that’s been missing in recent seasons. He helped bring others into play and get the ball up the pitch. Celtic’s third goal included Hogh receiving the ball in the middle of the park and sweeping it out quickly to Nygren. The Swede and Duran then linked up superbly for the goal.
Despite the close marking, Hogh still managed to cause havoc for LASK He constantly dragged their defence around the pitch. Hogh’s movement helped create gaps for Nygren, Duran and others throughout the game. He may not have been on the goals or assists list against the Austrian side, but Hogh was invaluable to Celtic.
It’s often said that it doesn’t matter who scores, as long as the team wins. There is some truth in that, but fans want to see Hogh scoring, and he’ll want more goals too. His Kilmarnock hat trick shows it’ll come when the game and time are right. There’s no cause for concern, fans worried about a couple of non-scoring games for the big Dane need to chill out and take a wider look at his contribution.
