Youssouf Mulumbu was a shining light during Celtic’s Europa League clash with Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League.
Celtic received a massive blow in the build-up to their Europa League tie with Red Bull Salzburg with the news that Scott Brown was a major doubt for the game due to injury. And indeed, the Hoops would have to take on the Austrians without their captain.
Brown remains such an important player for Celtic as a leader and obviously, as a midfielder, so not having him against Salzburg appeared to be one of the worst pieces of injury news that Brendan Rodgers could have received before the game.
But the setback provided Youssouf Mulumbu with the stage to prove the Hoops made the right call bringing him on a free transfer in the summer following his departure from Kilmarnock.
Mulumbu’s only appearance for the Bhoys before Thursday was the 2-1 defeat to his former club, so he had plenty to prove in Brown’s absence.
And while it was a disappointing night for Celtic as they were beaten 3-1, Mulumbu was arguably one of the players who can be particularly happy with his performance.
Mulumbu was excellent in the middle of the park considering that it was only his second appearance. He broke up play superbly and looked extremely composed on the ball as Celtic seemed to suffer by scoring so early thanks to Odsonne Edouard’s brilliantly-taken goal.
Celtic’s goal sparked Salzburg into life and the home side continued their impressive form by scoring three times after the break to take the points.
It was a result that Rodgers will be hugely frustrated with. But one positive that he can definitely take from the game is that Mulumbu appears to be a fantastic signing that could really make an impact for the Bhoys this season.
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