Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is confident that Odin Thiago Holm will go on to become a “big talent” for the Bhoys, despite starting just two matches since joining in the summer.
Holm has had some tricky moments so far in a Celtic shirt, not least his sending-off in the UEFA Champions League against Feyenoord that contributed to a matchday one defeat.
Before Sunday, his only other start for the Bhoys had been in a dismal Scottish League Cup defeat to Kilmarnock.
Despite eight other appearances off the bench, it was something of a surprise to see him named in the eleven for the visit of Aberdeen. In interviews on the day before kick-off, Rodgers explained exactly why he featured. He believes in the Norwegian talent’s future.
Odin Thiago Holm tipped to shine at Celtic but there’s work to do
The Celtic boss said on BBC Radio Scotland: “I genuinely believe that over the course of his time here, he will prove to be a big talent, but he’s got to start some games and this is a nice opportunity for him.
“He’s got all the attributes in terms of being a top player. He needs to get physically stronger in terms of his upper body. But he can travel with the ball, he can see a pass and then he can make the pass. He’s obviously played a lot lower down the pitch in his short career so far.
“But he has that possibility to play higher up to get in the box and score goals because technically he’s very, very good and he has a nice little edge to him as well where he could put his foot in and make tackles.”
Holm didn’t go on to make himself a standout in the match and was substituted after 53 minutes. Rodgers then offered constructive feedback in post-match comments, indicating that he wants to see more from the player when given opportunities in future.
He said [Football Scotland]: “To be a Celtic player, you need to be talented of course. But you need mental strength, you have to be robust in your mentality. That’s the number one factor for me.
“It’s like with Odin. We gave him a start and he needs to do more. We said it at half time that if you don’t start then you come off, because there is always someone to take your place. So being mentally strong is important.”
Holm has it all to prove at the Bhoys but it is still very early for him in Scotland. Still just 20, he has the time to make a more sustained push into the team. Rodgers believes in him, which is why he’s holding the player to a high standard.
Having promise isn’t enough at the Scottish champions. You have to tangibly back potential up with quality, consistent performances. Holm will have to learn how to do that if he’s to live up to Rodgers’ prediction.
In other news, Rangers reveal they spent £21m chasing Celtic this summer and they are still no closer.
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