Celtic midfielder shines in another standout display | OneFootball

Sebastian Tounekti’s Impact Highlights Celtic’s New Approach

Early Brilliance from Celtic’s New Signing

Two games, two player of the match awards. Sebastian Tounekti has wasted no time in announcing himself to Scottish football. The 23-year-old winger, signed from Hammarby on deadline day, has immediately injected creativity and directness into Celtic’s attack. On his debut against Kilmarnock, he was electric, demanding the ball, taking on defenders and linking superbly with fellow summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho in the 4-0 League Cup win over Partick Thistle.

Brendan Rodgers, who has consistently spoken about adding players capable of lifting Celtic’s ceiling, appeared thrilled with his new signing. “He’s so good,” Rodgers told Premier Sports. “He’s got a bit of everything, he can beat a man, go either way, slip runners in as well and it’s nice for him to get his goal.”

Celtic’s attack had struggled for rhythm before

Photo: IMAGO

’s arrival, with a goalless draw against Rangers and a disappointing Champions League play-off exit to Kairat Almaty exposing a lack of spark. Tounekti’s introduction has changed the mood around the club.

Chelsea Eyes on Celtic’s Attacking Template

Clubs like Chelsea, who are in their own process of rebuilding under their latest project, may look at Celtic’s recruitment of Tounekti as a model for finding value in emerging markets. The Norway-born winger has shown the type of direct, fearless play that Chelsea have sometimes lacked when breaking down low blocks in the Premier League.

Celtic’s approach is clear: invest in players who are decisive in the final third and capable of creating chances on their own. Against Kilmarnock, Tounekti created four opportunities, completed five dribbles and won six duels. While he did not score that day, he got his reward against Partick Thistle, cutting inside from the left, exchanging passes with Iheanacho and finishing clinically past Lewis Budinauckas.

“I would like to contribute with goals and assists, it was a good start today,” Tounekti said after the match. “I’m happy about that and hopefully I can make more in the future. Good to get going.”

Key Partnership Developing on Left Flank

Much of Celtic’s threat has come from the growing connection between Tounekti and Kieran Tierney, back at the club for a second spell. Pat Bonner noted on Sportsound, “The interesting thing for me is Tierney’s relationship with Tounetki. I think Tierney wants to be wide and high. When you have a winger ahead of you, you can’t occupy that space too often. We’ve seen Tounetki wants to get the ball every single time and take people on. That means Tierney can overlap, he can link in and support him.”

Tierney himself was glowing in his praise of his new teammate. “It feels like he’s been here ages,” he said. “The debut at Killie was unbelievable, that’s a tough place to go and you see how well he’s settled in. It’s credit to him and how he’s adapted. It’s the first time I’ve started with him and it was a joy to play with him.”

Chelsea Could Learn from Celtic’s Ruthless Clarity

Chelsea’s hierarchy have invested heavily in young talent, but Celtic’s rapid transformation with Tounekti shows the benefit of targeted signings that address immediate tactical needs. For a club aiming to return to the top of the Premier League and challenge Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, having players with Tounekti’s mentality could make a difference.

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew summarised the general feeling after the Firhill performance. “He was brilliant,” Mulgrew said on Premier Sports. “The goal was a touch of class and he’s a great find for Celtic. They would just wish they got him in before the Kairat game.”

If Chelsea are looking for inspiration as they prepare for a crucial Premier League run-in, they may do well to watch how Celtic’s new signing continues to light up Scottish football.