Frustrating as the international break tends to be Celtic are heading into it in fine form following a recent run of impressive results.
The Bhoys have now played 18 games across the campaign so far with 15 wins, two draws and just that one loss in Dortmund to speak of. A mere blip, some might say.
Those games have seen Celtic score 54 times to provide a perfect average of exactly three goals per game, and one man has been the driving force behind all of it.
Following his latest standout performance against Kilmarnock, the stats for Nicolas Kuhn read 10 goals and 11 assists from just 17 games, and the flying winger doesn’t look like he’ll be stopping any time soon.
His total of 21 goal contributions means he’s played a part in just short of 40% of Celtic’s goals this season – not bad for someone who was written off by many after his arrival in January.
In truth, even the most optimistic supporters couldn’t have forecast such a turnaround in fortunes.
Following his signing from Rapid Vienna Kuhn played 18 times in the second half of last season as Celtic went on to clinch a league and Scottish Cup double.
In that time he registered just three goals and three assists – incomparable to what we’re witnessing now.
But the question now is just how far can Celtic’s rejuvenated number 10 go?
His double against former side RB Leipzig were his first goals in the Champions League and having ticked that box he’ll be setting his sights on higher targets.
On his arrival at Celtic Park the 24-year-old German made no secret of his desire to play for his national side, having been capped all the way up to Under-20 level. If current form continues – especially on the European stage – then why shouldn’t that be a realistic goal?
Kuhn will have his work cut out if he’s to join the likes of Florian Wirtz, Julian Brandt and Jamal Musiala in Julian Nagelsmann’s forward line, but with the determination, skill and blistering pace he has shown in recent months, who would bet against him?
If he continues in the same vein he may just be digging out his passport by the time the next international break comes around in March.
Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange.