Celtic Football Club, one of the most storied institutions in world football, has long been a breeding ground for talent. Over the years, players such as Henrik Larsson, Billy McNeill, and Jimmy Johnstone have etched their names into the history books, becoming Celtic legends in the process. However, as with any great club, the passing of time brings new faces, and today’s Celtic squad is no exception. The current generation is filled with young, exciting talent, players who could very well go on to become the next icons of the club.
As Celtic continues to strive for domestic dominance and European glory, it is crucial to recognize the emerging stars who are poised to carry the club’s legacy forward. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising young players currently making waves at Celtic Park and discuss why they could become future legends of the Hoops.
1. Liel Abada: The Israeli Prodigy
Since joining Celtic in the summer of 2021 from Maccabi Petah Tikva, Liel Abada has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Scottish Premiership. The Israeli winger arrived with high expectations, and he has delivered in spades. His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal have made him an immediate asset to the Celtic first team.
Abada’s versatility in attack allows him to play across the front line, though his primary position is on the right wing, where his dribbling and ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot have caused havoc for opposition defenders. His direct style of play, coupled with a natural instinct to score goals, has already made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park.
While still young, Abada’s potential is enormous. His consistent performances in the league and European competitions indicate that he has the qualities to become one of Celtic’s great wingers, potentially following in the footsteps of past legends like Jimmy Johnstone. With his combination of flair, speed, and work ethic, Abada looks destined to play a key role in the club’s future success.
2. Kyogo Furuhashi: The Striking Sensation
When Celtic secured the signing of Kyogo Furuhashi in 2021 from Vissel Kobe in Japan, few could have predicted the immediate impact the forward would have. The Japanese striker has quickly become a fan favorite and a key figure in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking system.
Kyogo’s work rate, intelligence, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. His ability to link up play, press from the front, and score a wide variety of goals is rare for a player of his age. Despite standing at just 5’8″, his movement off the ball and ability to find space in the penalty box have made him a nightmare for defenders. His quick bursts of pace and intelligent positioning make him difficult to track, and he consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time.
In his short time at Celtic, Kyogo has already proven himself as one of the most effective strikers in Scottish football. If he continues to develop at this rate, he could go on to become one of Celtic’s greatest-ever strikers, following in the footsteps of legends like Henrik Larsson.
3. Reo Hatate: The Midfield Maestro
Another key member of Postecoglou’s revolution at Celtic is Reo Hatate, a Japanese midfielder who joined the Hoops in January 2022 from Kawasaki Frontale. Hatate’s arrival was met with great excitement, as he was seen as a player capable of adding creativity and dynamism to Celtic’s midfield.
A box-to-box midfielder, Hatate has impressed with his technical ability, vision, and work rate. He has an eye for a killer pass and is more than capable of scoring spectacular goals from long range, as seen during his debut season at the club. Hatate’s versatility allows him to operate in a variety of roles, and he has shown the ability to dictate the tempo of games, break up opposition attacks, and make late runs into the box.
His adaptability and skill set make him an invaluable asset to the team, and his performances in both domestic and European competition have suggested that he could be a future star for Celtic. With his mix of creativity and energy, Hatate has the potential to become one of Celtic’s best midfielders in recent memory.
4. Matt O’Riley: The Danish Playmaker
Matt O’Riley’s arrival at Celtic in 2022 was somewhat under the radar, but the Danish midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents at the club. O’Riley joined Celtic from Milton Keynes Dons for a relatively modest fee, but his performances have belied his price tag.
O’Riley is known for his exceptional technical ability, composure on the ball, and vision in midfield. His range of passing is remarkable, and he has the ability to control the tempo of games, making him an important figure in Celtic’s possession-based style of play. Despite being just 23 years old, O’Riley already shows a maturity on the ball that belies his age.
His ability to create chances, link up play, and dictate the flow of a match has been a significant asset to the team, and with continued development, O’Riley has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in Scotland and a mainstay in Celtic’s starting XI for years to come.
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers: The Rock at the Back
Cameron Carter-Vickers may not be as flashy as some of his attacking teammates, but the American center-back has proven himself to be a vital cog in Celtic’s defense. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Carter-Vickers has shown his leadership qualities, strength, and composure under pressure. His solid performances at the heart of the defense have played a key role in Celtic’s domestic successes in recent seasons.
Carter-Vickers is a no-nonsense defender who excels at reading the game and making key interceptions. His physicality, aerial ability, and leadership make him a presence in both boxes, and he has formed a solid partnership with other defenders at Celtic. Though still relatively young, Carter-Vickers has the potential to become a key figure for Celtic for years to come, especially if the club can secure a permanent deal for him.
6. Vasilis Barkas: The Goalkeeper with Potential
Though Vasilis Barkas has faced some challenges during his time at Celtic, including losing his place as the first-choice goalkeeper, there is still significant potential in the Greek international. Signed from AEK Athens in 2020, Barkas has struggled to find consistent form, but his talent is undeniable. Standing at 6’5″, Barkas possesses the physical attributes required of a top goalkeeper, and he has shown flashes of brilliance in both domestic and European competition.
Barkas has an excellent shot-stopping ability, and his quick reflexes and agility make him a reliable last line of defense. If he can regain his confidence and push for a more regular spot in the starting XI, Barkas could prove to be one of the top goalkeepers in Scottish football. The next few seasons will be critical in determining whether Barkas can establish himself as a Celtic legend between the posts.
7. Joe Hart: The Experienced Leader
Though Joe Hart is no longer a young player, his influence at Celtic cannot be overlooked. Arriving in 2021, Hart has brought experience, leadership, and stability to Celtic’s goalkeeping position. Having played at the highest level with Manchester City and the England national team, Hart has been instrumental in guiding the club through challenging times.
While not a “rising star” in the traditional sense, Hart’s role as a mentor to the younger players cannot be overstated. His wealth of experience and strong leadership qualities have helped instill a winning mentality at Celtic Park, and his performances on the pitch remain of a high standard.
The Future of Celtic: A New Generation of Legends
Celtic’s next generation of stars is undoubtedly brimming with talent. From Abada’s pace and flair on the wing to Kyogo’s goal-scoring exploits and Hatate’s midfield creativity, the Hoops have a wealth of young players ready to lead the club into the future. As they continue to develop and grow under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, these young talents have the potential to write their own chapters in Celtic’s illustrious history.
The road ahead will be filled with challenges, but with these rising stars leading the way, Celtic’s future looks incredibly bright. The next generation of Celtic legends is already taking shape, and it will be exciting to watch as they continue to evolve and make their mark on the club for years to come.
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