Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig: Nicolas Kuhn shows class with Champions League goals

Kuhn’s second goal was not quite as brilliant on an individual level.

Instead, he was in the right place at the right time to convert from a few yards out following a fine team move.

“More and more, Kuhn is reminding me of Jota,” said BBC Sport Scotland chief sports writer Tom English. “The way he moves, his influence in games, his ability to score goals in volumes but scoring great goals as well.

“He’s become an absolutely essential player in this team. You couldn’t tire watching that [first goal]. He just cushions it in from a mile out – if you can do such a thing.”

That second goal meant Kuhn became the first Celtic player to score two goals in the first half of a Champions League – or European Cup – match since Roy Aitken in October 1979, against Partizani Tirana.

It might not be the most eye-catching statistic from Celtic’s statement win, but it shows the rarity of what Kuhn has achieved – and the kind of form he is in.

Another former Celtic winger, Aiden McGeady, summed it up on the Scottish Football Podcast, saying: “I think the outstanding player in Scottish football this season has been Nicolas Kuhn. Every time he’s on the pitch, he impacts the game.”

It may be a little early to christen him ‘Saint Nick’, but if he keeps up these performances, Celtic fans might not see him after December.