Celtic are in a strong position to progress to the playoff rounds of the new Champions League format, having earned seven points from four matches so far. Sitting above heavyweights like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Brendan Rodgers’ side have defied expectations, securing impressive victories over Slovan Bratislava and RB Leipzig, and holding their own away to an in-form Atalanta team.
The crushing defeat in Dortmund now seems like an outlier rather than a pattern, with Rodgers’ team appearing far more capable of competing with Europe’s elite. At the heart of their success has been Nicolas Kuhn, who has emerged as Celtic’s new talisman this season.
Nicolas Kuhn: From Slow Start to Star Player:
Kuhn’s journey at Celtic started slowly after his £3m move from Rapid Vienna in January. In his debut season, the German winger struggled to make an immediate impact, tallying only three goals and three assists in all competitions. He faced competition from club veteran James Forrest for a starting spot on the right wing, with Rodgers even describing Forrest as Celtic’s “best winger” just a few months ago.
But that’s all changed. The 24-year-old has hit top form this season, showing electric performances that began in pre-season, where he notably scored twice against Manchester City. Since then, Kuhn has been in sensational form, contributing nine goals and ten assists already across all competitions. His standout performance came in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, where he scored a stunning long-range curler to level the match and then added a second before halftime to seal the win.
Kuhn’s dazzling left foot on the right wing has made him a joy to watch, and it’s clear he is starting to fill the creative and goal-scoring void left by Matt O’Riley. With Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest in him, including Brentford, Kuhn’s rapid rise in less than a year at Celtic Park has been nothing short of remarkable. His current €10m (£9m) valuation may be on the higher end, but given his form, it’s entirely possible that Celtic could eventually see a significant profit from him, much like they did with O’Riley and Jota in recent years.
Alistair Johnston: A Bargain and a Key Player:
While much attention has been given to Kuhn’s rise, Alistair Johnston, another signing made by former manager Ange Postecoglou, has also proved to be a fantastic piece of business. Signed in December 2022 for just £3.5m during the World Cup break, Johnston has established himself as one of Celtic’s most important players, and his impact on the pitch has only grown under Rodgers.
The Canadian right-back has been a rock for Celtic ever since he debuted in the Old Firm derby in January 2023. His initial season saw him provide one goal and two assists, and he followed that up with an even more impressive contribution of one goal and seven assists in the 2023/24 campaign. This season, Johnston has been a standout performer, contributing four goals and two assists in just ten league appearances, already matching his tally for the entire previous season.
Rodgers has praised Johnston for his forward runs, which have become a key part of Celtic’s attacking play, providing an outlet on the right flank to complement Kuhn’s creativity. Chris Sutton highlighted Johnston’s improved attacking game, noting his role as a key contributor behind Kuhn’s exploits.
Johnston’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and his current value has soared to €8.5m (£7m), reflecting a 100% increase on his initial fee. His stats are also impressive when compared to the Premiership’s other top right-back, James Tavernier, with Johnston outperforming Tavernier in goals, assists, and key metrics like pass accuracy and chances created.
A Thriving Right-Flank Partnership:
Together, Kuhn and Johnston have formed a dynamic and effective partnership down Celtic’s right side, and the club’s performances in both domestic and European competitions suggest they could be a potent combination for years to come.
Given their rise in value and importance to the team, both players could be crucial to Celtic’s future success. With their growing reputations, Rodgers and Celtic will be hoping to hold on to both Kuhn and Johnston for as long as possible—especially given the potential for significant future transfer profits.
As Celtic continue their European journey, the performances of Kuhn and Johnston will be key to their ambitions, and their impressive individual development this season could make them one of the most profitable success stories in the club’s recent history.
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