Brendan Rodgers has hailed Celtic-bound midfielder Kouassi Eboue.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that it took him just ten seconds to realise Kouassi Eboue’s talent, with the Krasnodar ace now set to join Celtic.
The Bhoys have dropped just two points in the Scottish Premiership this season, with Rodgers guiding Celtic towards a sixth straight league title in his first season at the club.
That doesn’t mean that Rodgers isn’t looking for January reinforcements though, with one player seemingly on the verge of completing a move to Glasgow.
Kouassi Eboue
Last week, BBC Sport reported that Krasnodar midfielder Kouassi Eboue was undergoing a medical with Celtic ahead of a £3million deal with the club, with that transfer seemingly getting closer by the day.
Eboue, 19, joined Russian side Krasnodar from Armenian outfit Shirak in 2014, but has really burst onto the scene this season, with the 6ft 1in midfielder scoring once in 18 games, whilst also adding two assists in the Europa League.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
The Ivorian will now join Celtic, pending a work permit, and he’ll be competing with the likes of Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, Nir Bitton and Callum McGregor for a spot in Rodgers’ midfield.
Ahead of the deal being completed, Rodgers has spoken to The Scottish Sun about Eboue, revealing that it took him just ten seconds to realise how talented the Celtic-bound midfielder is.
Rodgers noted that Celtic’s scouting team have been tracking Eboue for some time now, and praised him for being very aggressive and mobile, as well as possessing a ‘Champions League mentality’ having witnessed him in Europa League action for Krasnodar.
“Within ten seconds you really see his talent,” said Rodgers. “Eboue is one that the scouting team have been aware of for a while. Most coaches see something in a player that suits their way of working. But there are certain attributes in a young player you can see, and you get a good feeling about.”
“Right now we’re just waiting for it to be done, waiting for the work permit to come through to complete the deal. But Eboue is certainly a player that is the level of player we want, one with a Champions League mentality. He’s very aggressive, he covers the ground, he’s got mobility, speed, big intensity, big pressure, and reads the game well for a young player.”
“Tactically Eboue is very strong, he protects the middle of the pitch as I like it to be protected. And what he can do is he can pass the ball. He’s very swift going through the lines, going through people, and he plays it quickly. And he’s super hungry for this chance. I saw Eboue in Europa League games for Krasnodar and he is ready. He’s a big talent and this is a great chance for him, if he arrives on board and everything is good, to flourish,” he added.
Are you excited about the imminent signing of Eboue?
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