Celtic's new signing Camilo Duran has quickly become a fan favorite after a scintillating performance that included two goals in the team's commanding victory over LASK.
At full-time on Wednesday night, the stadium track "Hungry Like the Wolf" aptly reflected the mood, as Duran's display was nothing short of spectacular. His two outrageous strikes were highlights, but his contributions extended beyond scoring. He showcased a velvet first touch, pace and stealth to evade tackles, intelligent ball retention, and remarkable calmness under pressure. His willingness to work for the common good also drew significant praise.
Manager Martin O'Neill described Duran's performance as "magnificent" and "world-class" in every sense, encompassing his goals, attacking play, and defensive work. Notably, Duran has yet to play in his preferred position, having been deployed on the right flank due to Haissem Hassan's fitness. His effectiveness in this adapted role suggests even greater impact when he plays in his natural position.
Duran's performances have debunked the myth that clubs like Celtic cannot attract Champions League-ready talent. He starred in the competition for Qarabag last season, scoring five goals, before Celtic signed him for an initial £4.5 million, potentially rising to £6 million, a move already considered a bargain.
His career path also challenges the notion that top-tier talents are always detected through advanced scouting and data analytics. Duran's journey has seen him rise from Portugal's district leagues to the Champions League.
A Meteoric Rise
The 24-year-old began his career at Independiente Medellin in Colombia, where he admired compatriots Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez. A loan spell at Flamengo in 2021 did not lead to a permanent move. Frustrated by a lack of opportunities in South America four years ago, he moved to Terceira, an island in the Azores, to sign for SC Lusitania in Portugal's fifth tier. After scoring 19 goals in 20 games in his first season there, he moved to Estrela da Amadora. However, with limited first-team opportunities, he returned to Lusitania, helping them climb into Liga 3. Two years ago, he joined second-tier side Portimonense.
Despite his talent, European giants overlooked him. Qarabag of the Azerbaijani Premier League eventually signed him for approximately £200,000. Duran scored 15 goals in 44 games for Qarabag, including five in the Champions League. Celtic's initial pursuit was rebuffed, but a deal was eventually struck, making him the first Colombian to play for the club.
Duran acknowledged the sacrifices made, including leaving family behind in Colombia, but emphasized his dedication. His partner Valentina and their daughter Emily have since joined him in Glasgow.
Team Performance
Beyond Duran's standout performance, Celtic's collective effort was significant. Four summer signings, acquired for a combined £30 million, contributed to the team's strong showing. Mika Baur impressed in midfield on his home debut, Kasper Hogh linked play intelligently, and Haissem Hassan helped manage the game's closing stages.
Improvements were also evident in players who were part of the squad last season. Benjamin Nygren's all-round game has developed alongside his prolific goal-scoring, netting his fourth of the campaign with a screamer to break the deadlock. Hyun-jun Yang has transformed into a more consistent winger, and Kieran Tierney is showing signs of returning to his previous form. Callum McGregor also appears refreshed and refocused.
While Duran was the star, 19-year-old full-back Colby Donovan delivered a career-best display, drawing praise from the newly appointed Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo made several saves, though the frequency of LASK's attacks into Celtic's at times open defense was a concern.
Celtic scored 13 goals in their four matches leading up to this game, a stark contrast to their struggles in the previous season. The current atmosphere surrounding the club is markedly more positive than the acrimony experienced last term.