Michael Stewart applauds Diego Laxalt’s performance for Celtic against Lille

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Michael Stewart has applauded Diego Laxalt during BBC Sportsound‘s coverage of Celtic’s 2-2 Europa League draw with French side Lille on Thursday night – claiming the Uruguayan winger is getting better and better following his move from AC Milan.

Laxalt, 27, joined Celtic on a loan-to-buy deal in the summer as Neil Lennon swooped late to solve his issues on the left flank – at both left-back and on the wing. The South American has since clocked up four appearances for the Scottish champions.

He played on the left side of a four-man defence against Lille, as an excellent brace from Mo Elyounoussi saw Celtic go 2-0 up against the Ligue 1 outfit. However, goals from Zeki Celik and Jonathan Ikone pegged Celtic back.

Stewart applauded the former Genoa star for his performance on Thursday night, stating he improved throughout the night goig forward – but that he also did his duties defensively as the Hoops secured a decent point against Lille.

“There were plenty of positives. I thought Laxalt improved as well. More and more as the game went on. He showed he has a real attacking threat. As part of his game, he got up and down really well. He did (make some good interceptions),” Stewart said.

TBR’s view – Laxalt can be a crucial Celtic player this season

The winger has made a late transfer to Celtic and has been thrown in at the deep end in a Celtic side that are under enormous pressure. He has come out with pass marks and as Celtic get back to their best, so will Laxalt.

Offering quality at left-back or on the left wing, Laxalt can become a pivotal player for Celtic. If he continues to improve like he has done in his four appearances for Lennon’s side, then he could give the Hoops a huge hand in the search for 10 in a row.

Laxalt has a £9million permanent option in his loan deal, as per Italian website Voce Giallorossa. Such is his quality, he could be worth such a figure at the end of the season – which would match club-record signing Odsonne Edouard’s figure.