‘Born finisher’: Celtic target channels Haaland with 15 goals in 14 games

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Celtic target Casper Tengstedt is a ‘born finisher’ and would be a ‘good investment’ for Primeira Liga giants Sporting Lisbon, Portuguese coach Frederico Pereira Morais tells TSF. 

The numbers tell their own story.

In just 14 games, Tengstedt scored 15 goals and set up nine more since joining Rosenborg from AC Horsens midway through the 2022 Norwegian Eliteserien season. Erling Haaland is not the only Scandinavian striker averaging more than a goal-a-game right now. 

And it’s not just inside the penalty area where Tengstedt poses a threat.  

The 22-year-old Dane is a creator as well as a goalscorer; drifting out to the left-hand side before leaving defenders for dead with a trademark burst of acceleration. He’s strong, quick and presses relentlessly from the front. 

In short, it’s hard to think of a forward better suited to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic system. 

Celtic could face big competition for Rosenborg striker Casper Tengstedt

“He’s a striker, a born finisher,” says Morais, who worked in Norway with Sarpsborg FF. “He likes to get the opponent out of the way and finish. He’s very intelligent in his movements in the area, agile and aggressive.

“He’s also strong in the air. He even adds physical qualities. He’s strong in protecting the ball when his back is turned, which allows him to win duels.”

According to Football Scotland, Celtic have included Tengstedt on a wide-ranging shortlist of potential Giorgios Giakoumakis replacements. Rosenborg value him in excess of £3.5 million; head coach Kjetil Rekdal insisting that only ‘special’ offers will convince his current employers to cash in. 

“He is very young and is taking his first steps as a senior,” adds Morais, tipping one of Portugal’s big hitters to make a move of their own.

“Thinking about Sporting and the way Ruben Amorim wants to play, I think he would adapt to playing in a three-man attack, or even in a system with two forwards and a number ten.

“In his career, he played for three teams that are used to dominating the game, with opponents that sit deep. It would be a good investment (for Sporting Lisbon).”