Celtic have come up against some of the best players in the world from every era.
Fans will cast their minds back to their club taking on the likes of Barcelona’s Ronaldinho, Leo Messi and Thierry Henry in the same fixture while AC Milan’s iconic squad have also been to Parkhead.
There are literally countless others who have squared-off against the Hoops including Real Madrid heavyweight Luka Modric for Los Blancos not too long ago.
But while Celts have tackled Europe’s elite in their prime, they have also come up against some world beaters before they became household names including a certain Kylian Mbappe.
Head coach of Dinamo Zagreb Nenad Bjelica gives instructions to player Martin Baturina during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 ma...
Photo by Marko Lukunic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
This evening there’s also the chance that Brendan Rodgers‘ side will play against one player with Dinamo Zagreb who has been touted as one of the most promising players in Europe.
He has also been compared to Modric of Croatia and Madrid in what must be taken as a serious compliment – as well as, potentially, a pressure-filled contrast.
Starlet Martin Baturina, 21, has been linked with both Manchester City and Manchester United this year as the January transfer window rolls around in less than one month’s time.
Baturina made his debut back in 2021, and has already clocked up 141 first-team appearances for the club.
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Manchester United and City both are interested in Baturina as well as Paris St-Germain
The playmaker is also said to have PSG admirers with claims being that the French giants have already opened talks about the £20million-rated kid.
According to reports, Dinamo have no interest in selling their prized asset right now but they acknowledge the interest in him also spans Europe and the top clubs in the Premier League.
Popular broadcaster BeIN Sports have recently compared Baturina with Modric as he offers a similar playing style to his countryman.
Martin Baturina has been compared to Luka Modric
The publication go on to say that ‘the player has stood out in the Croatian league for his vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game’.
That is seriously reminiscent of Modric throughout his career and his more than 30 trophies including six Champions League medals.
Celtic will learn this evening just how good Baturina is when they go toe-to-toe with the playmaker.
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