thecelticstar.com

Both signed for Celtic from Fulham but comparisons end there

Dembele comparisons and similar expectations are totally unfair. Yes, Osmand was signed from the same club as Moussa, but Callum is his own man…

Callum Osmand

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

Callum Osmand yesterday signed for Celtic from Fulham with big things expected from the 19 year old due to being a highly rated emerging talent down south. Understandably many Celtic supporters, including myself, have been somewhat guilty of comparing our new signing to our last swoop on a craven cottage youth prospect who went by the name of Moussa Dembele.

That is little unfair if truth be told as the two situations totally differ when it comes to the pedigree of both players.

Moussa Dembele after scoring a hat-trick against theRangers

Moussa Dembele of Celtic takes away the match ball having scored 3 of the 5 goals during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on September 10, 2016. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Moussa Dembele when he arrived at Celtic had already made 64 first team appearances in the English championship and cup competitions scoring 19 goals as well as being a French under 21 international when he arrived at the club, and at 19 that was a terrific record and experience to boast.

Callum didn’t register a first team appearance for the Fulham first team so naturally although highly rated and regarded, he’s something of an unknown pedigree.

Moussa Dembele

Celtic’s French striker Moussa Dembele scores his team’s thrid goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Celtic and Manchester City at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 2016. (Photo OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Moussa was a fantastic talent and one of the finest players that have graced the Celtic shirt in the modern era. If Callum is even half as successful as Moussa then we’ve certainly won a watch. But our new Bhoy will write his own chapter and all going well he’ll be a player we can all get excited about over the next few seasons.

Callum Osmand of Fulham

Callum Osmand of Fulham U21, U 21 scores the teams 1st goal during the U21 Premier League Cup final match between Fulham U21 and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at Craven Cottage, London, England on 16 May 2024. Photo Andy Rowlandx PMI

But don’t forget Callum Osmand is very much his own man, and any comparisons to the Moussa situation are totally unfair and perhaps only serves to put pressure on a young player who will play his first senior matches of his career in a Celtic shirt.

I’m sure you’re as excited as me about that prospect.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Join the Weekly Lottery

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.