In football, the key to sustained success often lies in tough decisions, and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers faces one such dilemma. As the team grapples with inconsistencies in form, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: Paulo Bernardo. While the Portuguese midfielder has shown glimpses of his quality since arriving on loan from Benfica, his presence is inadvertently holding back Celtic’s true “game winner.”
Rodgers must make the ruthless decision to bench Bernardo in favor of the electric Yang Hyun-jun, the South Korean winger whose raw pace, creativity, and directness have the potential to revolutionize Celtic’s attack. Yang has been underutilized this season, often deployed as a late substitute or shuffled into unfamiliar positions. However, every minute he spends on the pitch showcases his ability to inject energy and unpredictability—qualities Celtic desperately need to break down resolute defenses.
Bernardo’s Contributions: A Double-Edged Sword
To Bernardo’s credit, he is a technically gifted player with an excellent range of passing and the ability to control the tempo of games. However, his style often slows down Celtic’s transitional play, particularly in high-intensity matches where quick counters can be the difference between a draw and a victory. Furthermore, his defensive contributions have been patchy, leaving gaps that opponents have exploited in crucial fixtures.
Bernardo’s conservative playstyle doesn’t align with Rodgers’ vision of fast, dynamic football. While he might excel in a possession-heavy system, Celtic’s success domestically and in Europe hinges on quick transitions and high pressing—areas where Bernardo struggles to make a meaningful impact.
Yang: The Missing Spark
In stark contrast, Yang Hyun-jun thrives in high-octane scenarios. His blistering pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one are exactly what Celtic needs to unlock stubborn defenses in the Scottish Premiership and compete against top European sides. His eye for goal and fearless approach to attacking play can turn him into the talisman Celtic has been searching for since the departure of key attacking stars in recent years.
Moreover, Yang’s defensive work rate and pressing ability make him a perfect fit for Rodgers’ high-energy system. While still raw, he has the makings of a player who can change games single-handedly. Giving him a consistent run of starts would not only boost his confidence but also allow him to build chemistry with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley.
A Risk Worth Taking
Dropping a high-profile signing like Bernardo is never easy, but great managers are defined by their willingness to make bold decisions. Rodgers’ tenure at Celtic has already been marked by tactical bravery; this is the next logical step. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, Celtic cannot afford to persist with a midfield setup that sacrifices dynamism for control.
Yang Hyun-jun is the future of Celtic’s attack. Rodgers must recognize this and give him the platform to thrive. Football is a game of risks, and leaving Bernardo out may feel like a gamble, but it could very well be the key to unleashing Celtic’s full potential.
The ball is in Rodgers’ court. Will he make the call that could define Celtic’s season?
