Paulo Bernardo, a midfielder for Celtic, scored a goal on Friday night for Portugal’s under-21 team.
In a European Championship qualifying match, Rui Jorge’s team destroyed Belarus 6-1. The fourth goal of the evening was scored by Bernardo, who played 75 minutes of the game, with a calm right-footed finish from just inside the box. The central midfielder, who is on a season-long loan from Benfica to us, actually has a very strong scoring track record at the youth international level.
His strike on Friday was his sixth for his nation in roughly 15 games. It’s obvious that he can score goals, and his most recent one will be a good sign before he plays for Celtic again later next week.
Bernardo has only played as a substitute three times so far and is yet to start a game for us. Despite the fact that it has taken him some time to catch up after a challenging preseason in Lisbon, it appears that he is now prepared to play.
After his most recent heroics, the main Celtic question is how he fits into Brendan Rodgers’ midfield. Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate are all very unstoppable when they are at their best.
Our captain is McGregor, Hatate is possibly our most gifted player, and O’Riley has been our greatest player thus far this season. It’s a huge ask for Bernardo to force his way into the starting lineup.
In any case, the 21-year-old will be expected to perform better by the Celtic fans. We have already witnessed a few well-executed passes and long-range shots. Our initial proper look is still pending.
It is encouraging to see that he has this goalscoring side to his game because most of us put him down as a neat midfielder who can move the ball well. Although neither Tynecastle, Easter Road, nor Atletico Madrid look like great games to give him a debut start, he may demonstrate that shortly after the international break. But that will happen eventually. To see what he presents us will be interesting.
