Brendan Rodgers had a lot to be happy about going into the new campaign. His team ended pre-season on a positive note, with a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in James Forrest’s testimonial match. At the same time, he got a warm reception from the Celtic Park crowd, as it looks like the fears of discontent at the appointment might have been misplaced. And it appears that one summer signing impressed the manager too.
Despite rumours of marquee signings, Celtic have stuck to signing highly-rated youngsters in the summer transfer window till now. They have brought in Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Maik Nawrocki.
It is Holm who appeared to catch the eye of Rodgers in particular with his performance against Athletic Bilbao. He was brought on at half-time and did not look out of place in the middle of the park at all. The manager showered his display with praise after the game.
As reported by Football Scotland, Rodgers said:
"“Odin was excellent, his comfort on the ball and his ability. He combined really well. Yang was direct and promising. It’s the first taste for these guys and they’ll only get better.“The second-half team was excellent. Our positioning was good. In the first half we were running all over the place and playing on our own. That’s not what my teams are about.“Second half the team was excellent. The midfield three were outstanding in terms of Odin, Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull. Overall I was really pleased for James. To win the game is nice for him. The second team was excellent.”"
Rodgers impressed by Celtic summer signing
Holm has come in from Valerenga amidst high expectations. The youngster is one of the most highly-rated talents in Norwegian football right now. So much so that he has even earned comparisons with Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard.
Thus, it is clear that Holm has a ton of potential. It remains to be seen if he can fulfil it at Parkhead. Rodgers does have a great record of getting the best out of youngsters. And the early signs are positive.
Celtic are stacked in the middle of the park right now though. The likes of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley have been linked with moves away, but are still at the club as things stand. Hopefully, that will remain the case. That does mean that players like Holm will have to make the most of their minutes.