3 hours ago
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Hibernian head coach David Gray was reluctant to single out individuals for praise after his side thumped Livingston, but striker Thibault Klidje's performance merited recognition.
In the arms race between Hearts, Hibernian, and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, Hibs made a statement by splashing a reported seven-figure sum on the Togo international in the summer.
The club made a point of describing the fee paid to Luzern as a club record, so despite stiff competition up front at Easter Road it was surprising he had only started two games before Saturday's 4-0 demolition of Livingston.
Especially given Hibs had not won in the league since the opening day.
He took his chance perfectly though, scoring a brilliant opening goal, winning a penalty for the second and generally wreaking havoc in the Livingston rearguard before being replaced on 71 minutes.
"It's great for him on a personal level, getting a goal," Gray told BBC Scotland.
"His level of performance was excellent, he's a constant threat and looks to run in behind.
"That was part of the game plan today to exploit the space in behind and he certainly did it."
Gray was right, Klidje terrorised Livingston's defence with his pace as he consistently darted in behind them.
He raced through three times in the first half alone and realistically could have had a hat-trick.
The quality of his goal was also excellent. The 24-year-old received a pass from Dan Barlaser with his back to goal, he spun his man and strode into the box before blasting the ball beyond Jermoe Prior.
He was too sharp and quick for Livingston defender Cristian Montano, who could only haul him down in the box and give away a penalty which Jamie McGrath converted for 2-0.
The former Bordeuax striker ended with four shots, six touches in Livingston's box and won the ball back twice in the final third too.
He also played a clever pass to lay on a good chance for Nicky Cadden after another one of his profitable runs forward, showing a different side to the
It was a performance which offered a glimpse of why Hibs invested significanct money in him.
With Martin Boyle and Kieron Bowie strong first-choice options for Gray, it remains to be seen whether he will now get a run in the side.
"He's had to be patient, but we've been patient with him," the Hibs head coach said.
"He's come over to a new culture and new way of working and coming into a team that is very competitive as well.
"I'm delighted with his performance and he should be delighted with his performance, but to single anyone out today would be wrong because to a man they were fantastic."
The caveat is Livington, by their manager David Martindale's own admission, were all over the place defensively which made Klidje's life easier.
He also looked raw in front of goal. Despite his magnificent finish, he had two other clear chances which were rushed.
But all the ingredients appear there for the Togo international to have a big influence at Hibs, and start to repay the club's outlay.
Andrew: A satisfactory result after weeks of sub-par performances. I've been saying it all season that we've been underperforming and even though this is against a weaker opponent our quality is clearly there. Our bench is stronger than in recent years and having players like Chaiwa and Boyle off the pitch at kickoff exemplifies that. Need to build on this and should start Klidje regularly now. Gray surely can't use the excuse of trying to settle him into games now. He's clearly ready.
Dan: Solid defensively, Salinger and Hanley look very comfortable. Mulligan and McGrath were superb, work rate and technical skill was way above Livingston. Klidje showing we have other players who can fulfil the gap Boyle leaves when on international duty.
Colin: This is more like it and we're would be if we got off to a better start was a good performance after the late derby defeat hopefully we can kick on now and hopefully Kildje will get even better with more games.
