When Jeffrey Schlupp arrived at Celtic on transfer deadline day, few would have expected him to be thrown into the deep end so quickly. Yet, just a few weeks later, the 32-year-old utility man delivered a monumental performance in his first full 90 minutes for the club, standing out in Celtic’s heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich.
Celtic may have fallen short on aggregate, but Schlupp’s display was nothing short of outstanding. Against a Bayern side filled with world-class talent, he was everywhere on the pitch, winning more duels than any other player on both sides and helping to lock down key threats like Michael Olise.
Schlupp’s Defensive Grit and Physical Edge
From the first whistle, Schlupp set the tone with his physicality, work rate, and tactical awareness. His ability to break up play, shield the defence, and go toe-to-toe with Bayern’s biggest threats was crucial in helping Celtic control large spells of the game.
One of the standout aspects of his performance was how he nullified Olise, a player known for his dribbling and creativity. Schlupp made sure the Bayern winger had no space to operate, forcing him into frustrated, ineffective spells as the game wore on.
Winning Battles All Over the Pitch
The stat sheet backs up what everyone watching could see—Schlupp won more duels than any other player on the pitch (8), proving that even at 32 years old, he can compete at the very highest level.
His energy and commitment were relentless, showing no signs of slowing down despite this being his first full match for Celtic. Considering he only arrived at the start of February, the way he slotted into the team and produced a performance of that magnitude on the European stage is a testament to his experience and quality.
A Performance That Deserves Recognition
While much of the post-match reaction will focus on Celtic’s heartbreak at the late goal, Schlupp’s performance deserves serious plaudits. He was a key reason why Bayern struggled to break Celtic down, and his experience, composure, and physical presence added a level of steel to the midfield that was badly needed.
If this is what Schlupp can produce so soon after joining the club, Celtic fans should be very excited to see what he can bring in the months ahead.
