Opinion: The one player that could transform Celtic from last derby display

Celtic didn’t perform to the team’s usual standards in the recent Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Rangers. The Hoops took the lead in the game, but never looked comfortable and eventually lost in extra time.

The Hoops have a chance to make up for that loss when they take on Rangers on league business this Sunday, knowing that a win at Celtic Park would all but clinch the Premiership title.

A player who could make a big difference to the Celtic side, who didn’t feature in the Hampden defeat due to injury, is striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Greek forward has been in excellent form this season, scoring 13 goals, with 12 of those coming in 2022.

Giakoumakis really was badly missed in the semi-final, as the Hoops lacked a focal point up-front, as Daizen Maeda isn’t at his best when playing through the middle, and Kyogo was just back from injury.

Giakoumakis provides a focal point to the Hoops line-up, and that has been shown on numerous occasions this season, even when he doesn’t find the back of the net.

Celtic have won two games that the forward has started against Rangers this season. Giakoumakis didn’t score in either game, but he had plenty of chances and caused the Rangers defence a lot of problems. He was also very useful in defence in the win at Ibrox, as he was at times able to help the Hoops clear the ball from set pieces.

Hopefully Giakoumakis won’t be needed defensively at Celtic Park this weekend, and it is his attacking qualities that could help to transform the Hoops from the performance that the team put in at Hampden.

The aforementioned focal point that Giakoumakis can provide is really important to the current Celtic side. Kyogo can obviously provide a focal point to the Hoops – and he may start the derby –