Egyptian winger Haitham Hassan has yet to score for Celtic despite making 12 appearances for the Scottish club, prompting questions about whether his individual dribbling skills are translating into consistent attacking returns.
The 23-year-old started Celtic’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership but was unable to score or provide an assist before being substituted in the 70th minute.
Hassan has shown an ability to beat opponents, carry the ball into advanced areas and create space in the attacking third. However, his goal and assist record suggests that turning those qualities into more direct contributions remains an area for improvement.
Statistics from Transfermarkt show that the Egyptian has played 563 minutes across 12 appearances in various competitions for Celtic. During that time, he has registered two assists but has not scored a goal.
His record works out at approximately one assist every 281 minutes, highlighting the gap between his individual ability and his current attacking output.
The figures do not necessarily mean Hassan has failed to make a contribution to Celtic’s performances. However, they provide a measure of his effectiveness in the final third, where attacking players are expected to create chances, deliver decisive passes and find opportunities to score.
Dribbling ability needs to produce results
One of Hassan’s main strengths is his ability to take on defenders in individual situations. His close control and movement with the ball allow him to progress from deeper areas into attacking positions, potentially creating opportunities for teammates.
Such qualities can be particularly useful when attacking down the flanks, where beating an opponent can open space for a cross, a pass into the penalty area or a shot at goal.
However, successful dribbling is only one part of an attacking player’s contribution. Its value often depends on what follows, whether that is a dangerous pass, a well-timed shot or the creation of a clear scoring opportunity.
For Hassan, improving his decisions after beating defenders could help him turn his technical ability into more productive attacking performances.
The challenge is not simply to complete more dribbles, but to make those actions count when Celtic are in positions to threaten their opponents.
What Hassan’s numbers show against Hearts
Celtic’s 7-1 win over Hearts provided another opportunity to examine Hassan’s contribution. He started the match before leaving the field in the 70th minute.
According to SofaScore statistics, the Egyptian successfully completed three of his four dribbles, giving him a success rate of 75%. He also made 23 ball carries, including six forward runs, demonstrating his willingness to advance into attacking areas.
Those figures suggest that Hassan was capable of progressing with the ball and getting past defenders during the match.
However, his contribution in front of goal was less effective. He attempted two shots, with one striking the crossbar and the other being blocked. Neither attempt was recorded as a shot on target.
Hassan also produced one key pass and completed nine of his 12 passes, giving him a passing accuracy of 75%.
The statistics show a player capable of carrying the ball forward and challenging defenders, but they also underline the difficulty he has faced in turning those movements into direct goal contributions.
What must improve in the coming matches?
Hassan’s performance against Hearts suggests that he has the technical qualities to influence Celtic’s attacking play. The next step is to use those qualities more effectively in areas where they can lead to goals.
That could involve improving his choice of when to shoot, making quicker decisions after completing a dribble and finding positions that offer a clearer route to goal. Selecting the right moment to pass or finish an attack will also be important.
His performances in upcoming Celtic matches will provide a better indication of whether he can improve this part of his game.
While his dribbling statistics offer evidence of his individual ability, his goals and assists will remain important measures of his contribution to the team’s attack. The focus will be on whether Hassan can turn his skill on the ball into more consistent and decisive results.
