Celtic’s season continues to get better and better. They’ve bulldozed the entire competition in Scotland so far in a way that is rare even in the context of the Hoops’ dominance over the last 15 years.
It’s in no doubt due to the impressive management of Brendan Rodgers, who has given the club renewed confidence and a swagger that hasn’t been seen around Celtic Park since the time of Martin O’Neill.
It’s also in part to the talented squad that was already assembled at the club, Rodgers after all hasn’t recruited too heavily, relying on many of the stars that helped win the league title last season.
That squad is a young one, full of players under 25 years of age who have bright futures in the game. There are regulars younger than that still with plenty U21 talent ready to make a big splash at potentially the highest level in the game.
There’s every chance that one day, when Celtic are ready to let go of them or they are ready to move on, that they could make an impact in the Premier League or wherever else takes there fancy.
Here are the five Celtic young guns with huge potential in the game…
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney’s form has been so good season that even though the likes of Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele are dominating the scoring charts, he is a good shout to win any Player of the Year awards. Still just 19 years of age, he has probably been the most consistent performer of anyone in Brendan Rodgers’ first choice XI.
He may have only scored one goal this season but his eight assists show just how effective he is in the final third. That’s an assist number that no-one else at the club can beat right now, although winger James Forrest is on the same tally. Constantly rampaging forward with dynamic dribbles and movements off the ball, he is a key attacking threat for the Hoops.
In defence he shines too, never giving opponents an inch and always willing to put in good old-fashioned and committed tackles.
If he continues progressing as he has done he could reach the very top of the game. However, will he want to leave his boyhood heroes behind?
Patrick Roberts
On loan from Manchester City, Patrick Roberts has certainly had a footballing education at the Celtic in his short time at the club. The 18 month loan deal appears to have done him wonders. On the fringes of Manchester City squad and playing reserve football, there was little scope for him to improve too much or at least not to his full potential.
At Celtic he’s been part of an elite training set-up and in Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers two coaches that know how to develop young players.
He’s also experience his first taste of Champions League football and picked up some winners medals too. He, of course, famously scored against his parent club in the Group Stages of the Champions League, an indication that he might be more ready for Premier League football than people think.
Destined to leave Celtic at the end of the season, he’ll try to make an impact at City. If that doesn’t happen he still has a great shot at being a regular for other Premier League sides if he can find the right manager and the right set-up that allows him to shine.
Liam Henderson
Liam Henderson is often the forgotten man when people hype up Celtic’s young players but still just 20 years old, he has a very decent chance of forging an elite-level career. All you need to do to demonstrate that is look at his accomplishments so far.
His first goal for Celtic came on the day they clinched a league title at Partick Thistle, he went on loan to Rosenborg where he helped win a Norwegian league title and a Norwegian cup, he then went on loan to Hibernian where his assists played a vital role in winning Hibs’ first Scottish Cup for 114 years and he’s also won a Scottish League Cup with Celtic.
Not bad is it?
He has ability too to match the achievements and is starting to feature more regularly for Brendan Rodgers as the months roll on at Celtic. He’s developed a physical edge to his central midfield game and his technical passing ability is without question.
While one day he may fancy a big move, right now it’s all about proving he has what it takes to displace some of the more regular starters in the Celtic team but he has every chance of that if he continues this progression.
Eboue Kouassi
Eboue Kouassi has yet to make his first team debut for Celtic but that hasn’t stopped supporters being very excited about what he may bring to the team. They’re hoping he’s the next in what is becoming a long line of young talent that signs for the club and then moves on for big money or at the very least becomes a vital squad member. Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk are all current Premier League names that have followed that route.
Brendan Rodgers certainly thinks he has what it takes to reach the top.
Speaking when Kouassi signed and as quoted by The Scottish Sun, Rodgers said:
“Within ten seconds you really see his talent. Eboue is one that the scouting team have been aware of for a while. Most coaches see something in a player that suits their way of working. But there are certain attributes in a young player you can see, and you get a good feeling about. I saw Eboue in Europa League games for Krasnodar and he is ready. He’s a big talent and this is a great chance for him, if he arrives on board and everything is good, to flourish.”
Strong words from someone who has worked with the likes of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho. Is he the next big superstar at Celtic Park?
Moussa Dembele
The list could not be complete without Celtic’s striking superstar Moussa Dembele who in the short time he has been at the club has become their talisman and most recognisable figure.
With a massive 31 goals in 43 appearances, 11 of which have been substitute appearances, he’s blown apart opposition not just in Scotland but in the Champions League too, most famously against Manchester City who up until that point had won every game in their season.
Attracting attention from football fans all over Europe, there’s even a chance he earns a French national team call-up given his form.
He’s destined for great things in the game and even the proudest of Celtic fans acknowledge that one they’ll likely have to say goodbye to young Dembele.