Adam Idah F. Celtic b.2001

[Eirambler]

Not sure if the post was meant more in terms of league goals. He scored 13 in 35 games last season. Not awful, but certainly not spectacular either, given the level. His 3 in 10 in the Champions League was probably more impressive given the higher standard of opposition.

[elatedscum]

Idah is not and never will be a 30 goal a season striker (20 goals would be a really good season) - he is capable of being responsible for another 20 goals by what he does on the pitch. Saying that - he does need to pick things up a bit.

He got twenty goals last season

Not sure if the post was meant more in terms of league goals. He scored 13 in 35 games last season. Not awful, but certainly not spectacular either, given the level. His 3 in 10 in the Champions League was probably more impressive given the higher standard of opposition.

In fairness, a 30 goal a season campaign in the SPL has happened once in the last 19 years. I kinda think that if you're talking about 30 goal striker, you have to be talking all competitions.

Idah scored 20 goals (+1 internationally) last season in all comps. He played 46% of Celtic's total minutes and 49% of his available minutes (removing injuries and the 2 games before he re-signed). So his numbers need to be viewed in that context.

In terms of the 35 games in the league, that's 1 90 minute appearance, 18 where he starts and is brought off and another 16 off the bench. Kyogo for example in his golden boot season played 71% of minutes. Edouard played 87% of minutes in his best golden boot season (22 goals). If you gave Idah 80% of league minutes, instead of 49% - he probably gets close to 20 goals in the league and close to 30 in all comps...

[pineapple stu]

If you gave Idah 80% of league minutes, instead of 49% - he probably gets close to 20 goals in the league and close to 30 in all comps...

Well he might - except that he generally seemed to be less effective when starting a game, and more adept even coming on fresh against tired/demoralised defenders who were already a goal or two down. So the maths doesn't necessarily apply to real life.

He had a strange season last season - 20 isn't a bad haul (though Anthony Stokes managed it four times, once for Hibs, and rarely got a look at international level) but the criticisms of his game didn't seem to go away. Poor first touch, often anonymous, maybe not the best footballing brain, questions around his attitude too, which may or may not be harsh.

Be interesting to see how this season goes. Celtic fans on their message boards seem unimpressed with his pre-season so far

[elatedscum]

You might be right but not really sure the numbers back that up. 13 of his 20 goals came in games where he played the majority of the game. He’s a pretty streaky, confidence based player. When he’s starting and in form, he scores goals for fun. When he’s lost confidence, he can’t buy a goal

[pineapple stu]

Hmmm, fair. It doesn't quite feel that way and I had to double-check, but can't argue with it. Consistency does seem to be an issue alright - and when he contributes so little else (practically no assists for example) then it gets noticed more.

But sure let's see how the season goes I guess. He fell back a little last year from his loan spell, and little things like getting sick in the taxi just take away a bit of breathing room from the critics too (for right or wrong; people expect footballers to be almost inhuman at times)

[Jolly Red Giant]

Hmmm, fair. It doesn't quite feel that way and I had to double-check, but can't argue with it. Consistency does seem to be an issue alright - and when he contributes so little else (practically no assists for example) then it gets noticed more.

The assists stat is a bit of a misnomer - what Idah is good at it pulling defenders out of position leaving space for other attackers. It is a very important part of his game and it mostly goes unnoticed. I like Idah - I think he is underrated - he reminds me of Frank Stapleton (not in the same class) - does a lot of things that don't get noticed by fans.

He does lack consistency and blows hot and cold - that is something he needs to sort out in his head. Now he is still only 24 and can sort that out - players are taking a lot longer to mature these days than in times past.