Motherwell’s Jens Berthel Askou is a contender to succeed interim boss Martin O’Neill this summer at Celtic.
The Celtic Park faithful are naturally wondering how the Danes’ tactical philosophy would translate to those inside Lennoxtown.
Askou has transformed Motherwell into a highly effective, defensively powerful, and possession-based unit on a fraction of Celtic’s budget, and many believe they are in the Scottish Premiership title race.
However, any incoming manager’s success ultimately depends on the tools at his disposal. If the 43-year-old does take the reins at the champions of Scotland, his specific coaching style could be exactly what several squad members need to revitalise their game in Glasgow.
Here, 67 Hail Hail provides an analysis of five current Celtic players who stand to benefit the most from his arrival.
Would you take Jens Berthel Askou in the event that Martin O’Neill leaves Celtic in the summer?
Arne Engels
Celtic’s club-record transfer at £11 million is currently injured, but he has divided opinion during his time at the club.
At the age of 22, Arne Engels is still in the development phase of his career. He has a wicked set-piece, but needs to become more of a prominent figure on the ball.
If Engels doesn’t leave in the summer, following those Nottingham Forest bids in January, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Belgian star take his game to the next level under Askou.
Hyunjun Yang
It has been a chaotic season, especially since October, for Celtic, with three different men in the dugout, which has helped nobody’s cause.
But what’s interesting is that Hyunjun Yang has showcased some of his best football during that period, including that wonder goal against Rangers; it was just a shame it happened during a defeat.
But when you look at Elijah Just’s rise at Motherwell, a player of a similar build, running style and movement to Yang, then you could see Askou working that same magic at Celtic.
| Just’s Premiership games for Motherwell | Goals | Assists | Man of the Match | WhoScored rating |
| 25 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 7.14 |
Sebastian Tounekti
Nobody is doubting Sebastian Tounekti’s talents. It’s just a case of, is he a starter or is he better off the bench?
As was proven during Celtic’s win at Aberdeen on Wednesday night, Tounekti is a better impact player, and perhaps a bit of Askou magic stardust can transform that.
Do you prefer seeing Sebastian Tounekti starting or being used as an impact sub?
Callum Osmand
Remember him? Callum Osmand is currently injured, and he has been out of action with a hamstring injury since November.
But in the very few games Osmand played, he showcased real quality, attacking movement, and an eye for goal, including scoring against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Perhaps with another pre-season under his belt, Osmand’s versatility and goal threat can shine next season under the club’s next possible boss.
One thing is for sure: there is serious talent there, and the Celtic fans should be excited.
Auston Trusty
Celtic’s starting centre-back is another player who divides opinion. This was Auston Trusty’s chance, with Cameron Carter-Vickers injured, to go to the next level, but he hasn’t.
There have been moments when Trusty has shown promise, but then he has proven that he isn’t good enough to be the main centre-back for a club the size of Celtic.
When you look at Stephen Welsh’s performances at Motherwell, and he is someone who could have been on this list, then there is no reason why Askou can’t bring that out of Trusty.
- Motherwell’s Premiership games: 25
- Goals conceded: 18
- Clean Sheets: 16
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