Kris Boyd states what is ‘very rare’ about Celtic’s new signing Sebastian Tounekti in the modern game

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Imagine where Celtic would be if Sebastian Tounekti had arrived much earlier in the window?!

By all accounts, it seems as though Celtic could have signed Tounekti earlier, but that’s one of many reasons why fans protested at Rugby Park on Sunday.

Whilst that was needed, and there is plenty more to come, Tounekti’s Man of the Match display against Kilmarnock was his perfect start to life as a Celtic player.

Usually, Kris Boyd talks utter nonsense about Celtic, but he managed to get his verdict about Tounekti pretty much spot on.

• READ MORE: What Sebastian Tounekti did behind-the-scenes at his Celtic unveiling leaves journalist in awe

What is ‘rare’ about Celtic’s new signing, Sebastian Tounekti

The modern game has become all about tippy-tappy football, managers and teams wanting their players to pass the ball to death.

Whilst there are more goals from wide players, your modern-day winger prefers to stand up his opponent and then pass sideways or backwards.

But speaking on Sky Sports Football (14/09/25), Boyd thinks Tounekti is now a ‘very rare’ breed because, as he showed against Killie, he tried to take his fullback on again and again, and to great effect.

“I think that’s the most important thing,” said Boyd. “Very rarely do we see it in the modern game now, where wingers actually get the ball and just go and dribble past people. Eliminate them. Take them on. Ask questions of defenders one-v-one.

“He did so well because he actually just committed, James Brown, who I didn’t think had a bad game.

“But it’s very difficult to stop someone when they are at that speed. Can go either side. He was really, really sharp and created a lot of opportunities for Celtic.”

Tounekti sends the example for other Celtic wingers

Putting James Forrest aside, as well as the currently injured Jota, this is a message to the likes of Yang and even the new signing, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, that trying to go past your opponent helps.

Go back to somebody like Luis Palma, that was his problem also, and it’s why he is out of the door.

But, as Boyd touched upon, and yes, it’s very early days, but Tounekti has now set the bar.

“We have seen it, and especially at Celtic recently, where it has been to the byline,” stated Boyd.

“You have come back. You have recycled. Back out the other side. Trying to probe through the middle. That’s why Tounekti was so sharp against Kilmarnock.”