Turkish press picked out two Celtic danger men — can they trouble Besiktas?

Two Celtic danger men caught the attention of Turkish outlet Duhuliye when Beşiktaş discovered their Europa League opponents: Kasper Høgh and Camilo Durán.

Now, with Thursday’s meeting approaching, the question for me is whether Celtic can turn that attacking promise into something that actually hurts the visitors.

There is an important distinction in the coverage. Duhuliye published its assessment on 28 August, after the draw. Today’s Turkish reporting reflects a much less flattering European picture for Martin O’Neill’s side.

However, those earlier observations offer an interesting reminder. There are players in this Celtic team whom opponents have reason to respect. We need to give them a platform to show why.

The Celtic danger men identified in Turkey

Duhuliye’s Celtic profile carried the heading “DİKKAT: KASPER HØGH” — translated as “Watch out: Kasper Høgh”.

The outlet highlighted the Danish striker’s early impact, including his hat-trick against Kilmarnock, when explaining why Beşiktaş’s defence should pay attention.

It also used the heading “CAMILO DURÁN DA ÖNE ÇIKIYOR” — “Camilo Durán also stands out”.

Its assessment pointed to the Colombian’s pace and runs behind the defence as a threat during transitions.

Those are specific football observations. One concerns a striker’s ability to finish; the other concerns movement that can stretch an opponent.

For me, that is where Celtic’s attacking plan needs to become clearer. A dangerous forward still needs service. A runner still needs somebody to recognise the run and release the ball.

We cannot simply name talented players, send them out and hope the combinations appear.

Today’s Turkish coverage exposes the European gap

Anadolu Agency’s preview, published on 4 November, sets out the contrast.

Beşiktaş have seven points from their opening three league-phase matches. Celtic have none and sit 35th.

The agency also reports that captain Orkun Kökçü could return, with a final decision following assessment by the medical staff and coaches.

That matters. Celtic should prepare for the possibility of facing him rather than build their approach around an assumed absence.

Yet the table is the most uncomfortable part of that preview. Three matches have already left us trying to recover ground, while Thursday’s visitors have established a strong position.

As we discussed after Sutton’s verdict on the Falkirk defeat, the manager’s organisation deserves scrutiny alongside individual performances.

Thursday offers a chance to answer those questions through the football.

Celtic need to make the threat count

I do not want another European night in which our attacking players spend too much time trying to repair damage elsewhere.

Our recent discussion of Celtic’s defensive problems raised that wider concern. Better protection and clearer attacking patterns belong to the same conversation.

If Durán attacks space, the midfield needs to find him early. If Høgh plays, Celtic need to create chances that make use of his finishing.

Those are my priorities, rather than a prediction of O’Neill’s starting line-up.

Duhuliye’s August assessment recognised reasons for Beşiktaş to be wary. Today’s standings explain why their supporters can also approach this match with confidence.

Both things can be true.

The challenge for Celtic is to make those earlier warnings relevant again. Turkish coverage has identified attacking potential; tomorrow night, we need to see a team capable of turning it into a result.

Key takeaways

• Duhuliye singled out Høgh and Durán in its August Celtic profile.
• Today’s Anadolu preview highlights the seven-point European gap.
• Celtic need a coherent plan to make their attacking quality count.