LIEL ABADA is in the running for PFA young player of the year after a great first season at the club. The Israeli has been a goal scorer and provider in Ange Postecoglou’s new look Celtic side.
When the player came in at the beginning of the season, there was a lot of grumbling about Celtic bringing in another ‘project’ signing who will likely sit on the bench or play with the reserves. Nothing could have gone any further from that early assertion. Liel has proven himself to be a valuable asset on the park.
The winger credits the assist for his top start at Celtic to his ‘big brother’ Nir Bitton who has taken him in and helped Liel adjust to life in Glasgow.
Nir has been at Celtic almost ten years and when the youngster came in, Nir made it his responsibility to look out for Liel and help him find his feet. We regularly see posts on social media of both hanging about and having a laugh.
I don’t think we get the kind of great form our of Liel Abada without Nir being there to support him.
Cited by Football Scotland, Abada said: “I want to thank the fans, the coaches and particularly Nir.
“Nir has become like a big brother to me. When I came here he made sure I had everything I need. On top of being a really good player, he’s a top human being.
“Nir and his family have really helped me settle in Glasgow. I can’t explain how much he’s helped. He even cooks for me. I’m not sure about washing my clothes, but he’s really done a lot.
“It was difficult coming here at first as a young player. But I am a footballer who has a dream and I want to improve.”
Liel went onto talk about the Celtic dressing room and made the brilliant admission the players are a close knit bunch who are all pulling in the same direction. Describing the whole club from the players to the fans as ‘warm’ and ‘passionate.
“Celtic are a very warm club with passionate supporters. I feel right at home now. We feel very united in the dressing room as well. There is a great atmosphere and we are all there for each other.”
“It’s great fun to see all the love and appreciation you get from the supporters when I am in the city.
“Everyone is so good when you talk to them in the street.
“I just want to repay them.”
Celtic go into the final four games of the season knowing 2 wins would be enough to take home the tile. The Hoops really need to keep focussed and they know a win against The Rangers on Sunday would be enough to virtually put them over the line.
It’s scary to think Liel is still so young, he still has his best football to come and will likely make Celtic a massive profit when he is eventually sold down the road.
