Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster believes that Mohamed Elyounoussi is finally getting the love he didn’t get in the Southampton squad.
The Norwegian only featured on 19 occasions last season for Saints. This term, he’s managed to already bag 10 outings and seven goals. Elyounoussi has also notched three assists as his fine start to life in Glasgow continues.
Forster knows first-hand what the player will have gone through down south last season. They were both Southampton teammates and they were both frozen out of the squad.
But speaking to the Scotsman, Forster believes all the left-winger needed was some love and faith put into him.
“Obviously he had a tough year last year as well, it is amazing what a bit of love and confidence can for you. It is just a positive, multiplying effect. Last year he did not really play much football at all.
“He has come here and you need that run of games in the team. It’s hard to come in and be expected to do it from day one. But he’s come in, had a few 90 minutes under his belt and scored and had assists.
“I am absolutely delighted for him. I know more than anyone how hard it was for him last year. And he just looks like a completely different player.”
A player we just need to try and enjoy whilst he’s here
With the performance levels of Elyounoussi so far, it’s going to lead to question marks about his future. A certain element of the fan-base will demand we try and get him permanently.
However, with all of his good work at Celtic impressing supporters, it will also be impressing teams elsewhere too. If there’s any form of bidding war for the winger in the summer, we’re likely to have no chance.
Quite often, players can catch the Celtic bug whilst they’re here, and it makes leaving the club a real difficult decision. But Elyounoussi has never given the impression that he’s here for anything other than to build up his fitness and confidence.
He doesn’t have that previous connection to the club either like Forster does. Moving for the Saints goalkeeper at the end of the season will hopefully be on the cards.
But for now, it’s important we just enjoy the duo whilst they’re here. They’re both eight-figure players. Having them in our squad is a huge bonus for us in what’s going to be a long and rigorous campaign.
Will they return for another one? It’s anyone’s guess at the moment.
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