⚽
Loading Scores...
Haissem Hassan Dazzles Celtic Fans, but Is Match Fitness the Final Hurdle?

Haissem Hassan has not needed long to show Celtic supporters what he can bring.
Pace, confidence in one-on-one situations, flair and a willingness to attack defenders have already made the Egyptian winger one of the more intriguing parts of Celtic’s early season. But his encouraging start also raises one important question: is full match fitness now the final hurdle before Hassan can truly take off in Scotland?
Hassan made his second successive league start against Aberdeen and played 76 minutes of Celtic’s 3-0 win. He was involved in the build-up to the second goal after driving down the right and delivering the cross that eventually reached Benjamin Nygren. He also created a chance and attempted four shots, although only one was on target.
More important than the numbers was the way he played. Hassan looked comfortable taking defenders on, repeatedly finding ways to get beyond his marker and into dangerous areas, while his direct running and crossing quickly caught the attention of Celtic supporters. His display earned an 8/10 rating after the match.
Amid all the excitement, however, one issue remains.
Hassan has yet to complete 90 minutes in either of his last two league starts and was withdrawn after 76 minutes against Aberdeen with signs of fatigue. Reports also suggest he is still building towards full match fitness after missing pre-season with Real Oviedo before joining Celtic.
That is what makes his opening weeks particularly interesting. Hassan is already producing moments that defenders struggle to deal with even before reaching his optimal physical condition.
His style is demanding. The 24-year-old does not simply wait for possession on the wing. He attacks defenders directly, repeatedly accelerates down the flank, looks to reach the byline and contributes both with and without the ball. Sustaining that intensity over 90 minutes is a different challenge from producing it in shorter bursts.
There were also encouraging signs against Aberdeen that his game is becoming more efficient. Hassan was less inclined to over-dribble and focused more on making a direct contribution to Celtic’s collective attacking play, something illustrated by his involvement in the second goal.
Hassan is not yet the finished product at Celtic, but that may be the most exciting part of his start.
The Egypt international is already showing his biggest weapons before reaching full match sharpness. If his minutes continue to rise and he can maintain the same one-on-one threat deep into matches, fitness may prove to be simply the final piece of what is shaping up to be a very promising Celtic beginning.
Related News
Haissem Hassan Dazzles Celtic Fans, but Is Match Fitness the Final Hurdle?
After Two Costly Defeats, What Does Egypt Basketball Need to Reach the 2027 World Cup?
Hamza Abdelkarim’s Barcelona Absence: Could Contract Talks Be Delaying His Debut?
Egyptian League Is Africa’s Strongest, but Ahmed Diab’s Middle East No. 1 Claim Lacks Evidence
Chinese President’s Visit Behind Al Ahly–Smouha Date Change? Cairo Stadium Mystery on September 1–2
MoreLatest News
Amouta: Emam Ashour May Need 3–4 Friendlies but Could Return Before International Break
Trabzonspor Add €17m Guinea-Bissau Striker Franculino Djú to Mohamed Salah’s Attack
Zamalek Defender Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh Nears Egypt Return After Four Years Away
After Sweeping Rwanda 3-0, Egypt Women’s Volleyball Reach 2027 World Championship and Face Kenya for Olympic Berth
Omar Fayed Scores Shootout Penalty on Frosinone Debut as Team Bow Out of Coppa Italia
More
.png)


.png)











.svg.png)

.svg.png)









.svg.png)





