Sebastian Tounekti has made quite the start to life as a Celtic player. When he arrived on deadline day, the move was somewhat overlooked, as most supporters were more concerned about Kasper Dolberg's move failing to materialise and the club being left without an out-and-out striker as a result, after they had sanctioned Adam Idah's exit without having a replacement in place first.
Now that the dust has settled on that matter though, it looks like the decision to sign Tounekti might have been a masterstroke. Of course, these are still early days and it is important not to get too far ahead of ourselves.
That being said, it has been a while since a new signing has made this kind of a start at Celtic. Tounekti has been the Hoops' best player, and at the very least most exciting, in both the games that he has played until now.
He might not have scored or assisted on his debut but he was a rare bright spot against Kilmarnock, in tough conditions at Rugby Park. And he followed that up by scoring his first goal for the club against Partick Thistle at the weekend to help Celtic into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. What Brendan Rodgers has told him might have a lot to do with Tounekti's early form as well.
Celtic fans will love what Brendan Rodgers has told Sebastian Tounekti to do
It looks like Rodgers has given the Tunisian the freedom to express himself on the pitch from the get-go. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Tounekti said to The National:
"[The manager] gives me a lot of freedom, just to do what I am doing. That is to help the team, to create chances and to create goals and to beat players. I am pleased with that. I just want to help the team as much as possible.
“But it’s been a big help from my team-mates and from the coaches. It’s been really good, they help me a lot.
“It’s been really easy to come into the group and to settle in. Especially the playing style, it’s really suiting me. I’m just enjoying it."
It has clearly brought out the best in Tounekti. It is hard not to notice the similarities between his style of play and that of Jota, who is currently out injured and won't be back in action in 2025.
When he does return, Rodgers might have a problem on his hands though. Both Tounekti and Jota seem to be at their best when playing from the left and cutting in.
Jota did play quite a bit on the right flank during his first spell at Celtic under the management of Ange Postecoglou though. So, perhaps he could revert to that role in the future, when fit and available.