Celtic face a dilemma with Sebastian Tounekti about starting games after impact off the bench

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Martin O’Neill faces a difficult decision when it comes to starting or using Sebastian Tounekti as an option off the bench.

Tounekti was one of the stars again after being brought on to replace Junior Adamu in Celtic’s 2-2 draw against Rangers.

The winger has a habit of looking lively off the bench, which leads to questions about him starting. However, is he actually better when he isn’t starting?

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill’s honest admission on self-reflection after Celtic’s late heroics vs Rangers

Do you prefer seeing Sebastian Tounekti starting or being used as an impact sub?

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Sebastian Tounekti is a better option off the bench for Celtic

Stats don’t lie and Tounekti seems to be more effective when brought on off the bench.

When starting, the 23-year-old averages a rating of 7.1 but off the bench, averages a rating of 7.9.

This could be down to facing tired defenders, allowing the game to stretch and the winger to cut inside on his stronger right foot, or if it suits him when Celtic are on the front foot.

Tounekti started against Stuttgart but didn’t have the same impact whereas against Rangers, he took the game to Dujon Sterling.

You are Martin O’Neill, what is the first change you would make for the cup game against Rangers?

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It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that he was ten times better than Daizen Maeda out on the wing, and would start on any other occasion.

This leaves Martin O’Neill with a real dilemma as while he will acknowledge that Maeda isn’t doing enough to deserve a start, Tounekti clearly operates better with less time on the pitch in an impact role.

Sebastian Tounekti vs Daizen Maeda stats

On paper, there isn’t much to separate Maeda and Tounekti.

Last season’s player of the season has more goals (nine) than the summer signing’s record (five).

Maeda has also made more goal contributions in the Scottish Premiership (12), but Tounekti creates more chances (2.5 per 90 minutes) than his teammate.

There is an argument to say that on numbers alone, Maeda is a better starter, but overall game contribution and general effort levels would suggest otherwise.