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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Giorgios Giakoumakis buzzing with 'aggressive' Celtic as Rangers battle leaves striker in awe

Giorgios Giakoumakis reckons Celtic 's win at Ibrox was a "life experience" as he waxed lyrical over the derby atmosphere.

The striker has emerged as the central figure in the Parkhead frontline in the absence of Kyogo Furuhashi.

After a slow start to life in Glagow's east end, Giakoumakis is currently Ange Postecoglou 's main man in the Celtic attack.

He caused Rangers problems at Ibrox as the Parkhead side extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to six points.

Giakoumakis was also booked for a notable clash with Ryan Jack following a war of words before the game - with the Rangers man branding the Greek frontman "disrespectful."

Celtic's Giorgos Giakoumakis is shown a yellow card by referee Willie Collum for a foul on Rangers' Ryan Jack and clash with Connor Goldson (SNS Group)

Speaking to BN Sports after the derby he said: "It was unbelievable, we were buzzing all the next days.

"I had never experienced such a thing. Anyone who has not experienced such a match on the field can not understand! We are talking about life experience.

"Old Firms are always very special games. They are life experiences for every footballer who participates. The atmosphere is magical."

Giakoumakis was hampered by fitness issues following his summer move from Eredivise outfit VVV Venlo, but has netted 11 goals since the winter break.

He reckons his "aggressive" style of play that Postecoglou had put in place suits him - and the Scottish Premiership - perfectly and was important to the win at Ibrox.

When asked to compare the Dutch top flight to Scotland, Giakoumakis added: "That's right, the style of play we play is ideal for me.

"(We are) Extremely aggressive with many crosses from the side, giving me the opportunity for many final third in each game.

"Regarding the comparison between the Dutch and Scottish leagues, I think they look almost alike.

"The Scottish championship is much more difficult. In the Netherlands, one-on-one dominates their game, while in Scotland, duels and passion prevail. In (terms of) speed I would say that the Scottish is faster ".

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