Celtic target Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s strengths and weaknesses

But isn’t that what we love about transfer windows? The debate, the forceful opinions, the entrenched positions, and then the shrug of the shoulders when we settle on a Benfica loan to buy deal and the guy we’ve been arguing about signs for FC Copenhagen.

So, let’s look at some of the strengths and weaknesses in Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s game and consider whether he’d be a good fit for a Brendan Rodgers Celtic team.

MICHEL-ANGE BALIKWISHA

Position: Left Winger / Second Striker

Foot: Right

Age: 23

Club: Royal Antwerp FC (Belgium, Jupiler Pro League)

International Caps: 1 (DR Congo)

Goals/Assists 2023–24: 9 Goals, 5 Assists in 37 matches (League + Cup + Europe).

Style of Play

Dynamic wide attacker: Balikwisha is a left winger who thrives when cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. He’s direct in 1v1 situations and prefers to receive wide before driving centrally, often looking to shoot or slip passes into the final third. His movement off the ball is sharp, especially when attacking the space between full-back and centre-back.

Explosive acceleration: What separates Balikwisha is his burst of pace and quick change of direction. He’s particularly dangerous in transition, where his speed and close control allow him to exploit space quickly. He often beats defenders with sharp body feints and low-centre dribbling.

Instinctive goal threat: Comfortable finishing with either foot, he’s improved his timing in the box and now makes more intelligent runs beyond the striker. Likes to cut inside and shoot from the edge of the area, but also capable of following up second balls or attacking crosses from the opposite flank.

Work rate and pressing: Not just an attacking outlet—Balikwisha contributes defensively. He’s an aggressive presser, often forcing turnovers high up the pitch, and tracks back diligently. His energy and willingness to press fits well with high-intensity systems.

Link-up play improving: While not a classic playmaker, he’s becoming more involved in combination play, particularly when tucking into central areas. His decision-making in the final pass is still developing, but he’s shown growing chemistry with overlapping full-backs and midfielders.

Weaknesses

End product consistency: Despite flashes of brilliance, Balikwisha still lacks consistency in front of goal. He can go quiet in matches where space is limited, and his final decision (pass vs. shot) can occasionally let him down.

Physical robustness: While quick and agile, he’s not particularly strong in duels. Can be muscled off the ball by more physical full-backs and may struggle in more physically demanding leagues.

Crossing reliability: Prefers to cut inside rather than deliver from wide. His crossing from deep or the byline is not a standout trait, which limits his effectiveness when asked to stretch play and provide width traditionally.

Celtic Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

Injury Record 

Now let’s consider the elephant in the room, namely Balikwisha’s injury record. Here’s a summary Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s injury record across recent seasons, sourced from Transfermarkt data.

Major issue in 2024–25: A prolonged torn thigh muscle kept him sidelined for four months at the start of the season.

Recurring muscle problems: Two separate muscle injuries during the 2024–25 season, totalling 78 days out.

2023–24 setback: Underwent knee surgery in January, missing 49 days.

2022–23: Another tear in thigh, plus a shorter muscle injury, totalling 103 days out.

Early career (2021–22): Hip and hamstring problems totalling 51 days.

Total missed days per season

2024–25: 205 days across 3 issues

2023–24: 49 days (knee surgery)

2022–23: 103 days

2021–22: 51 days

Injury-prone tendancy: Multiple muscular and thigh tears over three seasons, with a knee surgery as well.

Availability concerns: Out of potential 365 matchdays per year, Balikwisha missed 50–200 days depending on the season, impacting consistency and selection.

Balikwisha’s direct style, pressing energy, and transitional threat could complement Celtic’s attacking approach. However, his inconsistent end product, limited aerial game, alongside his recurring injury history may raise concerns in a physically demanding league like the Scottish Premiership.

So certainly, he’s a talented player, but also a perhaps a risky addition to add to the squad this summer.

Here’s an interesting quote from Frédéric Frans, a former professional, and now a manager, who scouted Michel‑Ange Balikwisha firsthand while playing against him. This is from Celtic Way in July last year.

“He has quite a long, skinny body when you look at him, but is really strong and fast. He has a lot of the qualities you need, with his speed, dribbling, the technique, and physically he’s pretty decent as well.”

There’s certainly a lot to try and digest when it comes to Michel-Ange Balikwisha. There is no denying the talent is there, but there’s the beginnings of an injury plagued career that sends out Derk Boerrigter vibes to me.

Yet, you could argue muscle injuries in particular are all part of a young footballer’s body building up to the rigours of professional football. The nagging issue I have right now, is I don’t expect Balikwisha to be first choice left winger at Celtic, that will be Jota all day long, but with our returning Portuguese star likely to be out until 2026, we will likely need Balikwisha to play a lot of football in the interim, and I’m worried he might not manage to do what’s required.

Please do let us know your thoughts on this potential signing in the comments section below. It wouldn’t be a transfer window without some healthy debate.

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