What a way to make an impact.
Big things were expected of Charly Musonda when he moved to Celtic on an 18-month loan deal from Chelsea in January but he struggled to back up the hype in his first few appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte remained unsure of Musonda’s current ability and hoped that the winger’s experience in Scotland would see him return to Stamford Bridge with a new lease of life.
But supporters were never in doubt that the 21-year-old already had what it takes and lamented the decision to send him to the Scottish Premiership.
Musonda was dropped to the bench for Celtic’s Europa League Round of 32 clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday night and Celtic legend Chris Sutton claimed that Rodgers’ selection was evidence that the Bhoys boss wasn’t fully confident in the youngster.
Speaking on BT Sport, Sutton said: “This is what Charly Musonda was brought to Celtic for and in the space of two games Brendan Rodgers is basically saying ‘I don’t trust you’.
“Callum McGregor will play off the left hand side, I don’t think he trusts Sinclair to do the defensive side of the role.
“Brendan Rodgers was accused of not being pragmatic enough in the Champions League but I think he’s gone defensive tonight.”
Well Musonda didn’t need long to prove Rodgers, Sutton and any doubters of his talent as he came off the bench after 73 minutes and set up a dramatic winner for the hosts five minutes later.
Musonda started the move from deep in his own half with a wonderful piece of skill, sprinted halfway up the pitch, brilliantly controlled an overcooked pass from Moussa Dembele and lofted a perfect cross into the path of teammate Callum McGregor.
CELTIC PARK ERUPTS!!!
Callum McGregor with a superb finish but what an assist from Charly Musonda!
The Notorious Callum McGregor 🍀 pic.twitter.com/PGNFqjIk2b
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2018
McGregor controlled the ball flawlessly on his chest and rocketed it into the back of the Zenit net on the half-volley.
1-0.
But while McGregor’s finish was great, it was Musonda’s build-up play that most impressed those watching the game.
Charly Musonda……. proving his worth out on loan! #CFC #UEL
— Kyle Hendricks (@KyleHendricks_1) February 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/BarrMuriat/status/964254161016709121
Musonda with the assist. Today is the day for the Chelsea boys
— OllieTweets (@MagicalHazard_) February 15, 2018
Five minutes on the pitch and already Musonda produces a brilliant assist. Amazing talent.
— Daniel Childs ☕️ (@SonOfChelsea) February 15, 2018
Great knock from Musonda, Chelsea loanees doing bits in Europe tonight🔥
— elliott luca pe (@ElliottPE17) February 15, 2018
Lad is good… don't see why musonda can't start in place of Pedro though https://t.co/P1WRJxSlOd
— #leifthelucky (@Lexbetts) February 15, 2018
Charly Musonda, another Player we would regret just like KDB and Salah when we eventually let go off
— Ayo (@Ayotizzzle) February 15, 2018
Musonda is just different class, why didn’t we keep him with us
— Jon Davies (@jonnyd92) February 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/BigTemiy/status/964259071581966336
