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Big-game hero Moi Elyounoussi strikes again; Celtic facing increasing calls to make move permanent
Celtic winger Moi Elyounoussi impressed fans once again as the growing number of supporter calls for him to sign permanently were on show.
Elyounoussi was given a starting jersey against Rangers yesterday in the Glasgow derby, his second consecutive start under interim boss John Kennedy. It’s fair to say that he more than played his part.
Moi opened the scoring with a superb diving-header that looked to set Celtic on the road to derby day glory. And even after Alfredo Morelos’ fortuitous equaliser, Elyounoussi was still making things happen.
The Norwegian’s link-up play with Odsonne Edouard was a joy to behold as they ran Connor Goldson and Filip Helander ragged. A couple of these quick combination plays sent Edouard through, but he was profligate on the day.
As disappointing as the afternoon was, a handful of players were able to come off with their heads held high. Elyounoussi was chief among them for what he put into the contest.
Moi Elyounoussi has a knack for big-game Celtic goals
It’s been an inconsistent return to Celtic Park for Elyounoussi this season after injury halted him in his first loan spell last year. This term, Moi has bagged 14 goals and six assists in all competitions. So even though he’s been in and out of the team, he’s still been producing in front of goal when others have struggled.
Celtic were reported by Football Insider to be looking at signing Moi permanently back when Lennon was in charge. The report claimed that he would only cost the club a total of £5m.
Celtic attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi at Fir Park / (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
However, in more recent times, a door has opened for him at St Mary’s. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl claimed that he would look at all loan players once more when they return to the club in the summer [Daily Echo].
But it’s clear Moi is growing in popularity in Scotland once more. A derby goal can do that for you, even if it wasn’t to be the winner.
Below, we take a look at what Celtic fans are saying about the Norwegian after yet another big-game strike to add to efforts in events such as the Europa League and Hampden cup ties:
Out of all the loanees, I’d take Elyounoussi back, he’s absolutely wasted up front totally out of position and even when he’s been played there, as much as I disagree with him being there, he’s always put in a shift and given 100%.
— Murray (@DMMacdonald96) March 21, 2021
I know a lot of people don’t rate Elyounoussi but if the option is there I’d absolutely take him back next season.
He was class at points today , with a good manager and a quality striker up top he’d be flying.
— Conor 🇩🇰 (@ConorM67_) March 21, 2021
Future of this team is around welsh ajer soro turnbull mcgregor and edouard. Pay the money for Elyounoussi and keep brown for another year to help with the rebuild. Other than that i wudnt be bothered about keeping any of them.
— Jamie (@JamieLisbon67) March 21, 2021
Biggest positive today is people will now realise Elyounoussi is a must buy for next season and people can stop pretending Taylor is better than Laxalt
— Oran (@oranstorrie99) March 21, 2021
I'd also keep Elyounoussi. A versatile, hard working guy with a good attitude.
— MartyFunkhouser (@sleepdesertme) March 21, 2021
Do whatever you can to get Mohamed Elyounoussi permanently, great player
— Seán Markus Clifford (@seanmarkus_67) March 21, 2021
See for next season. Please please please buy Elyounoussi
— Kitson (@Kitson67) March 21, 2021
5m is an absolute bargain.
Misused and out of position, yet still one of pur best players.— Odsonne Jedward (@iHorror) March 21, 2021
In other news, John Kennedy was left furious yesterday as he pointed the finger at Rangers’ Borna Barisic.
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