Adam Idah: Celtic’s Surprise Package
Adam Idah was signed in the January transfer window last season from Norwich on a loan deal, and it’s safe to say there was some criticism surrounding it. The striker’s goal tally at the Canaries was poor, only managing to score 17 goals in 116 appearances.
Since arriving at the Parkhead club, he’s been a surprise package, as he made an impact during his loan spell helping the Hoops secure the Scottish Premiership title and even bagged the winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final. The Republic of Ireland international impressed Brendan Rodgers and the Celts that much they signed him on permanent basis for a £9.5 million on a five-year deal, making him the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
It was quite a bold move from the Scottish champions, considering they’ve already got Kyogo Furuhashi, who has been their star man up front for the past three seasons. The Japanese striker is clearly Rodgers’ go-to man but that hasn’t stopped Idah from giving him food for thought, as he came off the bench in the 4-1 victory at Tynecastle against Hearts scoring a brace.
The 23-year-old has had a superb start to the season scoring seven goals in 17 games and is three goals away from surpassing the nine he got last campaign. Idah has played 286 minutes in the Premiership this season, but how good are his other stats per 90?
-Goals 1.26
-Expected goals (xG) 1.30
-xG on target (xGot) 1.52
-Penalty goals 0.31
-Non-penalty xG 1.05
-Shots 5.35
-Shots on target 3.15
Stats via Fotmob
The Hoops are in a fortunate position to have such quality in the forward areas, and Idah isn’t concerned if he isn’t going to start every game. After he signed for the Bhoys in the summer, he said: “I’m here to play games regardless of whether if I’m starting or coming off the bench. The mentality here in this group is unbelievable and everyone wants to win.”
“It doesn’t matter who’s playing or who’s starting, everyone supports each other, and it will be the exact same this season. It’s not about how many games I’m going to start for me, it’s about winning games and scoring goals.”
Celtic are currently top of the league and are three points clear of Aberdeen and 11 clear from their arch-rivals Rangers. Idah has already won two trophies in Scotland, and he’ll most certainly be looking to win some more silverware this season.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Joe Giddens – PA Images