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Hearts fans rave about Beni Baningime after Everton exit

Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images
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Kyogo Furuhashi
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Heart of Midlothian produced a superb display to beat Celtic 2-1 on Saturday night – and ex-Everton midfielder Beni Baningime played a key role.

Hearts are back in the top flight of Scottish football after promotion last season, and starting with a home game against Celtic was a tad daunting.

Still, Hearts took the lead with Gary Mackay-Steven bagging against his former club before Anthony Ralston was the surprise scorer of Celtic’s leveller.

Hearts wouldn’t be denied though as John Souttar headed in a late winner for Robbie Neilson’s side, securing all three points.

A number of Hearts players turned in fine performances, and one of them was midfielder Baningime, who only just signed for the club.

The 22-year-old left Everton for a move to Tynecastle on Thursday, and was thrown straight in for a first start on Saturday night.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 31: Beni Baningime of Heart of Midlothian is held by Ismaila Soro of Celtic during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Park on July 31, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Steve  Welsh/Getty Images)
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Baningime was superb in the Hearts midfield, and it looks like he will now play a key role for Neilson moving forward.

Hearts fans already love Baningime, taking to Twitter to brand him ‘outstanding’, ‘brilliant’ and ‘incredible’, raving about his debut.

Others even compared Baningime to N’Golo Kante for his relentless display in midfield, with the youngster looking to settle down after his Everton frustration.

Hearts fans celebrate their teams goal early in the first half during the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on May 25, 2019 in Glasgow,… (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)