Some Celtic fans are still hailing defender Christopher Jullien after his goal won the club the League Cup final on Sunday.
In what was one of Jullien’s self-proclaimed best moments in his short Celtic career so far, he scored what was the winning goal for the Hoops in the second half. There were question marks for offside, but the referee did give the goal (BBC).
Fraser Forster had denied Alfredo Morelos from the penalty in the second half, while Jeremie Frimpong was sent off around the same time.
Celtic fans: Is Jullien the new Van Dijk?
Virgil was better
He is the new VVD
Some Celtic fans can’t help but hail Jullien, with some wanting him to sign a contract extension already, despite only being at the club for around six months (BBC).
Thoroughly deserved big man. They threw everything at us and still couldn’t break us down #teamspirit #ijustcantgetenough
— scott halliday (@hallscott02) December 8, 2019
He is worth every single penny and then some. Born to wear the hoops. Now, announce contract extension.
— Lainey Donnel (@LaineyDonnel) December 8, 2019
I knew you gonna be a star ( next Van Dijk)Merci pic.twitter.com/Psadu5k7Gp
— martin (@martin75geordie) December 8, 2019
More to come big man
— Ian m (@bladdered_plank) December 8, 2019
Superman @Chri6ViF
— G.R (@RenfrewGhirl85) December 8, 2019
You is da man!!!! C’est magnifique#hoppsupsideyourhead #welcometothefamily
— jollybhoys2018 (@cichlidsteve) December 9, 2019
Jullien had started at centre-back on Sunday, featuring alongside defensive partner Kristoffer Ajer in central defence. The goal was the third of his Celtic career, with other two coming in the club’s Europa League campaign.
So far this season, Jullien has played a total of 25 first-team games under Neil Lennon. He has one assist to his name, bar the three goals. He has played 13 times in the Premiership so far, but was on the bench in the club’s recent 2-1 win over Hamilton.
The Frenchman had arrived at Parkhead from Ligue 1 side Toulouse this past summer for a fee of around £7m. In his last season in the French club, Jullien had become a regular. He had played 35 times in Ligue 1 but didn’t play European football.
What do we think?
Jullien has the big name of Virgil van Dijk to replicate at Celtic. He has had an immense season this term and his influence has been felt in how the Hoops have the best defensive record in the Premiership this season, conceding just nine goals – one less than Rangers.
The key is to let him play without any pressure. Any comparisons with Van Dijk will only add more of that pressure, which could, perhaps, become rather unwanted. He can use the Cup final goal as a stepping stone for success.