Celtic fans haven’t taken to summer signing Boli Bolingoli after a string of poor performances.
He did nothing to enamour himself to the fans in Stockholm tonight either as Celtic sealed their passage into the Europa League group stages.
James Forrest got the crucial away goal that meant AIK would have to score four and realistically put the tie to bed, but Bolingoli gifted the hosts a slim lifeline after 33 minutes when he brought Seb Larsson down in the box.
It was clumsy more than anything as Larsson got goal-side of the 24-year-old but, despite the protests, the penalty was awarded and Larsson himself put it away.
It was only a brief glimmer of hope for AIK as Mikey Johnston scored almost immediately afterwards to restore Celtic’s lead on the night, before Christopher Jullien and Lewis Morgan added another two late on.
Here are the best reactions to Bolingoli’s latest outing in the hoops:
https://twitter.com/mcginleybhoy/status/1167129027989114880
https://twitter.com/KierenKerr/status/1167129058263621632
I would play hayes left back on sunday. In fact, I'd play anyone but Bolingoli
— Crackerman (@mostlyceltic81) August 29, 2019
Bolingoli’s defending got plenty of Celtic fans thinking about the Old Firm clash on Sunday.
One fan said he had “lost all patience” with the left-back and was deeply concerned about him starting on Sunday saying, “He will cost us at least one goal”.
Another fan concurred saying he would play Jonny Hayes at left-back against Rangers, adding “In fact, I’d play anyone but Bolingoli”.
https://twitter.com/BroonyBhoy1/status/1167128638782943233
https://twitter.com/PadrepedroII/status/1167128643677687809
https://twitter.com/biggbo100/status/1167128429105483776
Wtf with Bolingoli? Does he know he’s playing full back? We will get ripped on that side. Has no positional sense at all. ??
— Giuseppe (@joelawrie) August 29, 2019
Good to be in front but we are a shambles at the back. We very wide open and the difference between AIK and Cluj is that Cluj took their chances. Bolingoli and Brown are empty jerseys. Brown just gives the ball away or needless fouls. Bolingoli doesn't understand basic defending.
— Shaun (@TheTweetofShaun) August 29, 2019
Celtic fans were spoiled in the left-back position last season with Kieran Tierney and comparing the two players it’s easy to see why fans are complaining about Bolingoli so much.
In nine appearances for Celtic this season, Bolingoli has won just 53% of his defensive duels and attempted 2.98 dribbles per 90 minutes with a success rate of just over 50%. [WyScout]
By contrast, Tierney won 71% of his defensive duels and attempted 4.3 dribbles per 90 minutes with a 64.8% success rate.
Celtic banked almost £25m for Tierney but fans aren’t impressed with the returns they’re getting from his £3m replacement.
If bolingoli plays on Sunday I want my money back for my ticket.
— efe ambrose ballon d'or (@PeezyBhoy) August 29, 2019
Bolingoli will be ripped to shreds on Sunday
— Joe Morgan (@joemorgan4) August 29, 2019
Back to Rangers though – a subject Celtic fans couldn’t get away from tonight.
Both teams have a 100% record in the Premiership and first blood in the Old Firm series this season will be a big psychological boost.
Rangers are looking for their third successive Old Firm win at Ibrox and if Bolingoli is playing, they might focus their attacks down the right-hand side.
One fan said Bolingoli “will be ripped to shreds on Sunday” if he plays. Many fans are hoping he doesn’t.