Several of Celtic’s summer recruits have failed to make the desired impact this season.
A number of those arrivals came amid uncertainty, with Celtic supporters growing uneasy about the club’s approach and strategy during the transfer window.
One player brought in during that troubled period was Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp, and the DR Congo international has endured a challenging time in Glasgow.
Balikwisha’s first appearance against Rangers in September was a nightmare, and sadly, he has been unable to significantly improve his performances since. However, James McFadden believes the winger is being deployed in the wrong role.
James McFadden on Michel-Ange Balikwisha being played out of position at Celtic
Celtic have struggled badly in wide areas, and although players such as Hyunjun Yang have shown flashes of form, the wing positions have lacked consistency throughout the campaign.
McFadden, speaking on Open Goal, suggested Balikwisha is more suited to a central attacking role rather than playing on the flank — a position he has largely occupied during his time at Celtic.
McFadden: “He’s not a winger, Balikwisha.”
Si Ferry: “What is he?”
McFadden: “A ten. He’s not a winger.”
Gordon Dalziel: “He’s not a f___ing ten either. He’s not a football player. Let me tell you.”
Balikwisha’s Celtic season in numbers so far…
Interestingly, Balikwisha previously operated as a number ten during his time in Belgium, so it may be something Martin O’Neill considers exploring.
Before that can happen, though, Balikwisha needs to regain a place in the matchday squad, having not featured since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
During O’Neill’s initial interim stint, the player saw very limited action, which hardly paints an encouraging picture for his future.
Games: 13
Starts: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Total minutes: 330