The Rise of Nir Bitton

Nir Bitton has risen to the challenge at Celtic in the last 18 months. Once a rough diamond, Bitton has been refined into something very special. The 23-year-old has been ever-present this season for the Hoops and has performed on a consistent basis both club and country.

Bitton started life at FC Ashdod in Israel and at 17 years of age, he broke into the first team. Having made over 100 first team appearances for the club, and played alongside fellow Celt Efe Ambrose, Bitton was then faced with the choice of going to Manchester City.

In the summer of 2012, Bitton had a trial at the English club who were then Premier League champions. Having impressed at the Etihad, manager, Roberto Mancini was poised to make a deal happen as the Israeli moved closer towards the British Isles. However, Bitton didn’t make it to the Etihad, as work permit issues prevented him from going to the club. With this demoralising news about a move to England being off, did it turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Bitton?

Fast forward twelve months and Nir Bitton signed for Celtic. The midfielder was finally granted a work permit for the country and soon he accustomed to life in Glasgow. Bitton made his debut in the cathedral of the San Siro as the Hoops lost to AC Milan. The midfielder then made a cameo appearance in the 2-1 win at home to Ajax, but will be remembered his rash challenge resulting in a red card.

Since that very night though, Bitton has more than risen to the challenge, as he has consistently played in the holding midfield role with an air of confidence and maturity. This maturity was shown in the many league games he played in his first season at the club. Having made 20 appearances in the 13/14 season under Neil Lennon, Bitton was beginning to establish himself as a first team regular. The Israeli and Celtic utility man, Charlie Mulgrew were set to battle it out for a place in the holding role in midfield diamond. This duel was to be short lived as Bitton was to pick up an injury in early March of 2014 ruling him out for the rest of the season.

A return from injury was greeted with a new man at the helm. Ronny Deila, a manger who implements his philosophy of good passing football and was eager to have Nir Bitton back in the Celtic fold. In his early days at the club, the midfielder was able to dictate play, but not to the same extent as he is doing currently under Deila. Under Lennon and Deila, Bitton has played as the defensive midfielder. The only key change being the different formations that both managers use. Deila opts for Brown beside Bitton in the holding role allowing the Israeli freedom to express his natural game and wide range of passing. Whereas as stated perviously, Lennon played a diamond in his latter months as Celtic boss meaning Bitton was restricted to staying back on attacks.

Last season, Bitton made 49 appearances for both club and country, again showing his durability to play so many competitive games in a season. Week in week out last season, Bitton provided assists, the odd goal and composure in the middle of the park. And if ever a game epitomised him as a player, it was the 3-3 draw at home to Inter Milan. That night, he rose to the occasion and was more than able to dominate the midfield with Scott Brown. The pair combined well that night and have been a solid foundation for Celtic ever since. The two provide a nucleus to a team which has been torn apart with the departures of players in the last few seasons.

One criticism last season that fans may point out was the lack of goals he scored. Scott Brown netted five times last season compared to the two from Bitton. Yes, some will say it’s not his job to score and instead start attacks and break down opposition play, however the best players always come up with something special when the team needs it. This season, Bitton has found that special quality. Champions League qualifiers are always tricky and in Norway, Celtic faced problems as Stjarnan took as shock lead against the Hoops. Nir Bitton though, popped up with a key goal before the break as the Hoops went on to seal a 4-1 win. In the away game at Kilmarnock this season, Bitton took aim and rifled a thunderbolt into the top corner, putting Celtic ahead in the match. And of course, in Amsterdam a month ago, Bitton opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw with a great first time strike catching out Ajax keeper, Jasper Cillessen.

In the coming months, Bitton will play a huge part in Celtic’s assault in Europe and domestically. If he continues to assist, dictate play and add goals, then the interest of a number of clubs will intensify. Bitton plays an important part of the Celtic team and it would be a huge blow if the Hoops were to lose him to any other club.