Celtic have made a strong start to the 2024-25 season, winning all of their opening three matches in all competitions.
After winning two consecutive Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock and Hibernian, the Bhoys brushed aside Hibs for the second time this week after winning 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday (18 August) at Celtic Park.
Daizen Maeda scored twice for the Hoops, while Nicolas Kuhn added another as Celtic set up a quarter-final meeting with second-tier Falkirk.
The Japan forward could have easily scored his hat-trick, such was Celtic’s dominance during the game. Kuhn also registered an assist for Maeda’s second goal.
The Daily Record gave the 24-year-old winger an 8/10 rating (page 43) for his fantastic performance against Hibs on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers has been left heavily impressed by the German winger, and he says that the player has looked faster, sharper and more dynamic.
Rodgers said, as quoted by the Daily Record (page 41): “When he came in in January, it was obviously a difficult moment in the season.
“For health reasons and other reasons, he just took a little bit of time. But you see the importance of having a good pre-season. He looks faster, he looks stronger, he looks more dynamic, he’s more aggressive in his game because that’s what he needed to do.
“That’s your job, it’s as simple as that. If you’re a No.8 in this team, you’ve got to create goals and score goals. He’s doing his job very well.”
The Hoops boss rightly added that he expects Kuhn to contribute with goals and assists.
Kuhn joined Celtic in the January transfer window early this year from Rapid Wien. The Scottish champions paid £3 million to sign the player, but he endured a difficult spell at Parkhead, managing only three goals in 18 games in all competitions.
He has really looked sharper this season and has scored three goals already. Celtic fans will hope that Kuhn will maintain his impressive form throughout the campaign.
