Spanish football journalists have singled out Celtic’s rising German star as the man pulling the strings ahead of a huge European night at Paradise.

Mika Baur is rapidly becoming one of Celtic’s most exciting performers, and it appears his remarkable progress has not gone unnoticed beyond Scotland.

With Celta Vigo preparing to visit Celtic Park on Thursday evening, the Spanish media have been paying close attention to the German international. And their assessment of his influence in Martin O’Neill’s side makes particularly encouraging reading for Celtic supporters.

As reported by The Herald, Spanish publication GOAL España singled out Baur following Celtic’s extraordinary 7-1 demolition of Hearts.

Their description of the midfielder was particularly striking.

“Celtic, with young international Mika Baur orchestrating play in midfield, dominated at will.”

Orchestrating play. Two words that tell you precisely how highly the Spanish observers rated his contribution.

From Promising Talent to Midfield Conductor

There is something immensely satisfying about watching a young Celtic player develop into a footballer capable of dictating matches.

And Baur is beginning to demonstrate exactly those qualities.

His performances against Motherwell and Hearts have shown a player growing in confidence, intelligence and authority.

Against Hearts, his driving run helped force an own goal, providing another example of his willingness to take responsibility and make things happen.

But it is his overall influence that impresses me most.

He doesn’t simply want to participate in matches. He wants to influence them.

That is an important distinction, particularly for a Celtic midfielder.

With 13 appearances and three goals already this season, Baur is establishing himself as a player who deserves serious attention.

Spanish Recognition Speaks Volumes

What makes the praise from GOAL España particularly interesting is its timing.

Celta Vigo are heading to Glasgow knowing Celtic have just dismantled Hearts in emphatic fashion.

And now the Spanish football media are highlighting the man helping to make Celtic tick.

For a young player who has made the journey from Paderborn to Celtic, that represents considerable recognition.

It also tells us something about how Celtic’s performances are being viewed outside Scotland.

We spend so much time discussing the shortcomings of Scottish football that sometimes we overlook the talent developing right in front of us.

Baur deserves recognition for what he is producing.

Now Comes the European Examination

Of course, domestic performances and European football present different challenges.

Celta Vigo will provide a far sterner examination of Celtic’s midfield organisation, technical ability and defensive discipline.

Having lost their opening two Europa League fixtures, Celtic desperately need a positive result on Thursday.

Another defeat would leave their hopes of progressing in serious difficulty.

But there is also an opportunity here.

If Baur can reproduce the authority and composure that have impressed Spanish observers, he could play a significant role in turning Celtic’s European fortunes around.

The fascinating thing is that he is still developing.

There will be mistakes, difficult matches and lessons to learn. That is part of becoming a top-class midfielder.

But the raw materials are clearly there.

When the Spanish media begin describing a Celtic player as the man orchestrating proceedings, perhaps we should recognise just how exciting his potential really is.

And what better stage for Baur to justify that praise than Celtic Park, under the European lights, against Spanish opposition?