Celtic fans were impressed as Bolingoli made his Parkhead debut in the Champions League qualifier against Sarajevo.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo might have impressed Celtic fans with his home debut against Sarajevo in Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier but he has admitted to Football Scotland that there is one area where he must improve and fast – in defence.
There has been a lot of focus on the Belgian’s speed and his swashbuckling style since he arrived in Scotland after a £3 million deal was agreed with Rapid Vienna earlier this month, The Herald.
Bolingoli-Mbombo is a left-back cut from the same cloth as Kieran Tierney and he was a constant thorn in Sarajevo’s side as Celtic, thanks to a late Callum McGregor scorcher, sealed a 2-1 victory at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
But there is clearly room to improve. As is the case with many modern full-backs, Bolingoli-Mbombo’s forward forays left a lot of space down the flanks for the opposition to exploit and he failed to close down Sarajevo’s winger in the build up for their shock equaliser in the second half.
“The goal was my fault,” he said. “That can always happen but we have to avoid these kind of mistakes at the back.
“I am still learning. In my youth I was an offensive player and I am still learning my defensive parts. I know that I still need to progress in my defensive part but I have to do better. I’m a left-back so the first thing is defending.
“My offensive qualities I have already so I have to become a better defensive player.”
Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who described the full-back’s display as a ‘mixed bag’, will be inclined to agree. Clearly, the 24-year-old is not the finished article yet but this is where Celtic truly excel – by helping raw talents like Boli-Bolingoli hone their abilities and go from strength to strength.
After all, Virgil van Dijk wasn’t immune to mistakes when he first arrived either.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
