Dedryck Boyata left Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at the end of the season, moving to the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin.
Dedryck Boyata could hardly have made a better impression on his new coach at Hertha Berlin.
After four trophy laden seasons at Celtic, the Belgian defender is clearly enjoying the fresh start that a summer move to Germany has given him. Boyata signed for Hertha on a free transfer following months of speculation and he’s already showing Celtic what they are missing.
The one-time Manchester City youngster made his debut for the Bundesliga outfit during a 1-1 draw with VFL Bochum and, speaking to BZ, Hertha coach Ante Covic spoke warmly about a 28-year-old who could be one of the most intelligent signings in German football this season.
“He has brute strength and he is incredibly powerful. He will be a big player for us,” said Covic, who was recently hired to replace the long-serving coach Pal Dardai.
Time will tell, however, whether Hertha’s gain is Celtic’s loss.
So far, The Hoops have spent £7 million to bring Christopher Jullien to Scotland but it remains to be seen whether the former Toulouse defender will adapt to life at Parkhead and replace a defender who won four Scottish Premiership titles and a trio of domestic trebles in green and white.
Fortunately, Jullien possesses the same experience and aerial strength. And Celtic fans will be hoping that he keeps mistakes to the minimum.
Absence makes the heart go stronger of course, but, for all those mourning Boyata’s departure, there was a reason why he was nicknamed ‘bomb scare’ by some sections of the support.
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