Impressive Start for Celtic's New Signing Sebastian Tounekti
Two matches and two Player of the Match awards for Celtic's new signing, Sebastian Tounekti.
It has been an impressive beginning for the winger, who joined Celtic from Hammarby on deadline day.
In his debut against Kilmarnock last weekend and again in Celtic's 4-0 League Cup victory over Partick Thistle, Tounekti consistently posed a threat. He demanded the ball, aggressively challenged defenders, and skillfully combined with fellow new signing Kelechi Iheanacho to score his first goal in green and white.
Upon his substitution after an hour, manager Brendan Rodgers embraced him warmly, highlighting not only Tounekti's outstanding performance at Firhill but also his rapid importance to Celtic.
Rodgers has emphasized the need for players who can elevate Celtic's performance, and early indications suggest that Tounekti is indeed a game-changer.
"He’s so good," Rodgers stated on Premier Sports. "He has a bit of everything—he can beat a man, go either way, and slip runners in, so it’s great for him to have scored."
Prior to Tounekti's arrival, Celtic's attack appeared lackluster and predictable. The team struggled to break down Kairat Almaty in their Champions League play-off, managing only two shots on target in a goalless draw against Rangers.
The 23-year-old was unlucky not to score or assist in his first match, creating four chances, completing five dribbles, and winning six duels. However, he made an impact in his second appearance, cutting inside from the left, executing a clever one-two with Iheanacho, and finishing with precision beneath Thistle goalkeeper Lewis Budinauckas.
"I want to contribute with goals and assists—today was a good start," Tounekti remarked after the match. "I’m pleased with that and hope to achieve more in the future. It feels great to get going."
Burgeoning Partnership Between Tounekti and Tierney
Despite general discontent among Celtic supporters regarding the club's governance, the large traveling contingent in Maryhill celebrated the players after the final whistle, with Tounekti in the spotlight.
He was undoubtedly the standout performer for Celtic at Firhill, earning praise from many, including former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, who said, "He was brilliant. The goal was a touch of class, and he’s a fantastic find for Celtic. They would have preferred to have him available before the Kairat game."
Another former Celtic star, Pat Bonner, expressed interest in how Tounekti and fellow summer recruit Kieran Tierney, returning for a second spell at Celtic, complemented each other. "The intriguing aspect is Tierney’s relationship with Tounekti. Tierney likes to be wide and high, and when you have a winger who consistently seeks the ball, it allows Tierney to overlap and support him effectively," Bonner noted.
Tierney also praised his new teammate, stating, "It feels like he’s been here for ages. His debut at Kilmarnock was exceptional—that’s a tough venue to play at—and he has settled in remarkably well. It was a joy to play alongside him for the first time."