Celtic continue to be linked with one player after another in the transfer market but the answer to their problems is right under their noses.
One of the most high-profile teenagers of the modern game, you would be forgiven for thinking Karamoko Dembele is way older that his 17 years. Much conversation surrounds the youngster who is accelerating through the ranks at Parkhead. However, there is reason for such acute awareness of his abilities.
On 27th July, a largely fringe Celtic side defeated Hibernian 3-1 as part of their extensive pre-season preparations. London-born Dembele was at the forefront of this victory, claiming his first senior goal for the Bhoys as well as providing a constant threat throughout.
Positionally, Celtic could really use another winger to provide an alternative to ever-present James Forrest, as an injury to the mercurial winger could leave the Hoops short of options on the right side. Could that alternate option be right under the nose of Neil Lennon? If Dembele’s performance against the Edinburgh side is anything to go by, the gaffer may need not look further.
Perhaps surprisingly, the talent demonstrated maturity beyond his years not just with his quick footwork but also his physicality. He was able to roll his man on numerous occasions which lead to chance creation, alongside his resilience to recover from being taken down on multiple occasions by the opposing full-back.
Moreover, the Englishman illustrated competency when deployed centrally. Playing a pivotal role in the Celts second goal, winning the ball in midfield before executing a brilliant pass to Leigh Griffiths who supplied a tap in for Polish forward Patryk Klimala.
Additionally, the England Under-17 cap showed tremendous composure when slotting home to level the arrears at an empty Celtic Park: sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a confident finish into the bottom right hand corner.
Is Karamoko Dembele ready to make the step up to first team football this season for Celtic?
— Sean Markus Clifford (@seanmarkus_67) July 28, 2020
Evidently, he has went from strength to strength in years gone by. Bursting on to the scene in 2016 making his Celtic Under-20s debut at an incredible 13 years old and not looking out of place, there is a growing enthusiasm developing over his projected first team involvement this campaign.
Amusingly, Antione Griezmann and Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham were amongst some to praise his performance. Conceivably, it might not be too long before Karamoko Dembele emulates such company. Here’s hoping it’s in the green and white of Celtic.