Rodgers raves about Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, claims he was outstanding against Rangers

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Celtic beat Rangers 5-1 in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.

Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been quoted by the Daily Express as saying that he felt Moussa Dembele was ‘outstanding’ against Rangers.

The Bhoys went into the game leading the Scottish Premiership with three wins from three games, and laid down a real marker with a thumping win over Rangers.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Rangers manager Mark Warburton

Dembele, starting up front in place of the injured Leigh Griffiths, opened the scoring with a free header from Scott Sinclair’s corner, before racing clear to beat Wes Foderingham for the second goal.

Joe Garner pulled a goal back for Rangers before half time, but Sinclair added the third with a smart finish having been played in by Dembele, and the French hitman then notched his hat-trick by smashing home Mikael Lustig’s cross.

Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates

Stuart Armstrong grabbed the fifth in the dying embers of the game, as 10-man Rangers – who saw debutant Philippe Senderos pick up a red card – were left embarrassed at Celtic Park.

After the game, manager Rodgers heaped praise on striker Dembele, who joined the club from Fulham during the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old hitman, playing in his first Old Firm derby, ran Rangers ragged on his way to scoring three goals, and Rodgers was unsurprisingly delighted with the youngster’s performance.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Scott Brown as he is substituted

Rodgers, as quoted by the Daily Express, stated that Dembele was ‘outstanding’ against Rangers, but couldn’t guarantee him a regular first-team place once Griffiths is back to full fitness.

“I thought he was outstanding. He was up against Philippe Senderos, who’s an experienced player, but his physicality in the game, his heading ability, his running ability and you see with his goal a wonderful touch and finish,” said Rodgers. “I have to make the team work and sometimes he will play in there with Leigh Griffiths, sometimes he won’t, but I think you’ve seen the spirit in the team,” he added.

What did you think of Dembele’s performance against Rangers?