David Turnbull turned in probably his best Celtic performance to help drive Ange Postecoglou’s side to a 3-2 win away to Ferencvaros to keep alive hopes of progress in the Europa League.
The midfielder was playing in his 26th match of the season but not every performance has been met with the acclaim that he earned in Budapest.
Playing in a supporting role to Celtic’s front three the former Motherwell man had a strong part to pay in Celtic’s second and third goals to see off the Hungarian’s.
Turnbull’s passing and scoring ability has never been in doubt but whenever Celtic slip up some fans have been quick to point at a perceived lack of pace and being a light-weight among the hammer-throwers.
Celtic’s third goal dispelled that theory in an instant as he tracked back, out-muscled his opponent to regain possession with Liel Abada putting the ball in the net 10 seconds later.
How will Celtic get on away to Bayer Leverkusen?
Away win- We've got Kyogo doing his thing
Take a draw then Real Betis in Matchday 5
We;ll lose- this is a step too far for us
Under Ange Celtic are a work in action with Turnbull looking like a very important player as the hard graft in training is transferred onto results on the pitch.
Ange’s Celtic machine purring in Budapest.
The pressure from Turnbull to win the ball, McGregor’s strength to retain possession, Kyogo’s defence-splitting pass and Abada’s finish ?#FERCEL #UEL
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) November 4, 2021
What a performance David Turnbull. The type we’ve been crying out for for weeks ?
— Kevin Gallagher (@Chief_1967) November 4, 2021
David Turnbull’s improvement off the ball encapsulated in the build-up to Abada’s goal.
Not only does he have the engine to get back – but he also sends the Ferencvaros player into the Danube with his shoulder ??
A real coming of age performance after a hesitant start. pic.twitter.com/8N9eegrqx6
— Hamill (@CPHamill) November 4, 2021
I thought David Turnbull was excellent tonight. He got stuck in defensively and made some brilliant passes. That’s probably his best defensive performance as a Celtic player ?
— Gavin Fairbairn (@fairbairn16) November 4, 2021
David Turnbull vs. Ferencváros:
-5 key passes
-1 assist
-2/2 long balls completed
-82.4% passing accuracy
-8/11 ground duels won
-5 fouls won@ciaranforemann on Turnbull: https://t.co/Y8V1wmRaIJ pic.twitter.com/plQ41NEIc7— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) November 4, 2021
That pass from @Kyogo_Furuhashi for the 3rd goal was filthy. Superb tracking from David Turnbull to win the ball back. Brilliant goal.
— original wheazy joe (@frankbell1981) November 4, 2021
Another eventful night in Europe for the Celts ? Best performance in a Celtic shirt for David Turnbull tonight, all over the pitch he was first class ???
— Mark Lucas (@Mark_Lucas18) November 4, 2021
Thought that was David Turnbull’s best performance in Europe for us tonight.
Strong, switched on and composed. A far cry from the indecisive and weak player we seen at the start of the season.
He’s worked hard to get to the levels Ange demands of him.
— Stevie??? (@stevieblock102) November 4, 2021
Absolutely top stuff from David Turnbull. That’s something he probably wouldn’t have done a few months ago. Brilliant from Kyogo & a super finish from Abada.
— Patsy Gallacher (@ABurningPride) November 4, 2021
This whole David Turnbull never kicking a ball for Celtic again thing is going very well, eh.
Just pulling the strings in this game. ?
— CáI (@CaIMcI) November 4, 2021
David Turnbull appreciation post?? pic.twitter.com/tczKpkdRLM
— ShadowsOfWeevil? (@ATcfc88) November 4, 2021