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The unsung hero behind the meteoric Celtic rise of Nicolas Kuhn as 'phenomenal' influence flies under the radar
Nicolas Kuhn is the name on the lips of all Celtic fans. But it is the role of one of his team-mates that has been highlighted as one of the main reasons for his meteoric rise at Parkhead this season that has pundits and supporters raving.
Brendan Rodgers' winger has already been linked with a big money move due to his form domestically and in the Champions League with talks over a Germany cap also not out the equation after Julian Nagelsmann opened the door to a sensational international bow. Kuhn has delivered 11 goals and 11 assists across just 22 games in all competitions and former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan reckons right-back Alistair Johnston has had a huge role to play with the defender rated 'absolutely phenomenal'
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Strachan named the players that have impressed him this term, and he wasn't shy to talk up the Canada international alongside Kuhn. He said: "Cameron Carter-Vickers, the captain (Callum McGregor). Alistair Johnston, the right-back, has been phenomenal. I mean, absolutely phenomenal. And Kuhn, who plays in front of goal has become a better player. Everybody's talking about Kuhn, which is quite right. And again, that's development. We were quick to judge him after four games.
"Now, you look at his development and he’s been helped because he’s playing with Johnston behind him. He has become a top player now. Other clubs want to buy him, he’d probably be the first player that other clubs would love to pinch.
"There's a great combination there with Kuhn and Johnston. Johnston runs 20, 30 yards to give Kuhn one yard or two yards of space. Now that's what you need for a good team. That's the type of players you need, players that are going to put themselves there for you. Not many people will notice Johnston running, but that running, that's what he does.
"I'm a huge fan of him because I know fine well that when I was a player at Aberdeen, I had a guy playing behind me called Stuart Kennedy. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been anywhere near as good as I was a football player. He made me the player. He gave me the chance to have a platform to be a decent player over my career. So that's why I can relate to this guy, Johnston."
