Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi started and completed the scoring in the 6-0 win over Ross County on Saturday. However, it wasn’t only the goals that were impressive, but the Norwegian’s overall play.
The midfielder joined from Southampton on a season-long loan in the summer, and fans on Twitter believe it is already proving an inspired piece of business by the club:
Can see him getting better now he’s getting fitter. Could be a real big player for us this season
— Lisaf67 (@lisaf1967) October 19, 2019
He's a baller
— SPOOKY Mo ? (@MoCOYG) October 19, 2019
Just think how good he'll be when he is fully match fit,
— Peter foley (@peterfoley881) October 19, 2019
Southampton paid 15 million so that’s a permanent deal down the drain
— Michael Connelly (@ConnellyMchael) October 20, 2019
The most intelligent player in the squad and he's an absolute work horse.
— AJ (@Joker___87) October 21, 2019
Elyounoussi man. Such a clever wee player way the positions he takes up. Knows where he’s passing it before he gets it. Bangs them in n set them up. Simple
— Aidan (@aidanarr_67) October 19, 2019
Confidence of him getting the ball and doing some productive with it, reminiscent of Sinclair in his first season. Nae chance of permanent contract if he keeps up the form.
— Danny (@dannybhoy18) October 19, 2019
Biggest football brain at the club mate. His positioning is unreal
— R? (@_The_Ridler_) October 19, 2019
Break the bank for Elyounoussi in January and we won’t need to worry about wingers for a few years
— Jamie (@Jamie67_) October 19, 2019
Elyounoussi has the creativity and end product to match, and if he continues this form for the rest of the season, there will be calls from supporters to bring him in on a permanent basis.
That may prove tricky, though, as Southampton will likely demand a sizeable sum. The Saints shelled out £15m on the Norwegian international in 2018 and would probably still demand a club record fee from the Hoops.
For now, it’s fair to say Elyounoussi has had a good start to life at Parkhead and manager Neil Lennon will be looking for consistency from the wide man over the next few months.