Barry Bannan came through the Celtic ranks as a youngster without making an appearance.
The Scotland international has proceeded to enjoy a fruitful career in England, but he is still keeping an eye on all things Celtic.
Yes, off the field noise has dominated, but that speed, rhythm and flow is now starting to hit Celtic’s games, and Bannan is recognising it.
Despite questions over Celtic’s 2025 summer transfer window, one of the players who has lifted the mood at Parkhead is winger Sebastian Tounekti.
Barry Bannan lauds Celtic’s new signing Sebastian Tounekti
Tounekti has been the standout player, that’s why he has picked up the Man of the Match award from his two games – away at Kilmarnock and at Firhill.
Speaking on Open Goal, Bannan stated that the Tunisian international looks and plays ‘like a throwback’ because he is ‘just direct.’
The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder also explained how the Celtic Park faithful are ‘excited’ by what they are seeing from Tounekti.
“I’ve seen the two games,” shared Bannan. “He’s like a throwback, isn’t he? He’s just direct. Wants to get on the ball. Looks really good. He took his goal really well.
“It’s completely different to Balikwisha. He came in for the Rangers game. He looked tidy on the ball, but you want somebody to run at the fullback. That’s all he does, by the looks of it. I think the Celtic fans are excited.”
Pressure off Daizen Maeda
This is what happens when you bring in added quality out wide. It spreads the pressure around the group, and there is plenty of it to go around.
Daizen Maeda hasn’t started the season like he would have liked, but the performances of Tounekti, who opened his account against Thistle, have allowed the Japan star to rest easy.
This way, there isn’t a clamour for Maeda to do everything, play down the middle, as well as on the left, because Celtic now have Tounekti in the building, and producing, as well as Kelechi Iheanacho.
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