Celtic have a fantastic recent record of identifying and signing talents. The fans will be hoping that that run continues, even though Ange Postecoglou has left the club for Tottenham Hotspur. One player who the Hoops were believed to have been scouting during the time of the Australian manager and have gone on to sign despite his exit is Marco Tilio.
Celtic are believed to have broken the Australian transfer record to sign Tilio from Melbourne City FC this summer. Thus, it goes without saying that there are high hopes surrounding the youngster.
Tilio is just 21 years of age but he has plenty of experience at the senior level already. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he made 82 appearances for Melbourne City FC, scoring 20 goals and providing 19 assists in the process.
Tilio is capable of playing in several positions across the pitch but is believed to be at his best in either the number 10 role or on the right flank. His style of play has earned comparisons to that of Phil Foden.
Celtic summer signing makes claim about Lionel Messi
At Celtic, Tilio will get to work with someone he has idolised in the form of Harry Kewell, while Messi is an icon for him as well. As reported by Football Scotland, the Australian youngster said:
"“The likes of Harry and Tim Cahill, all young Australians look up to these types of players. Seeing him in the flesh now every single day, I think I’ll pinch myself. It’s pretty cool. As an Australian, I looked up to Tim and Harry. Outside of that, Lionel Messi was my icon.”"
Kewell was brought in as a coach to Celtic during the time of Postecoglou as manager. Thus, most people expected him to leave along with the Australian head coach, when he made the move to Tottenham Hotspur days after winning the treble with the Hoops.
Somewhat surprisingly, Kewell has stayed on in Glasgow. And his coaching career will only be boosted by working with someone with the pedigree of Brendan Rodgers. As for Tilio, one can only hope that he settles in quickly and reaches his full potential at Celtic.