Celtic wonderkid dubbed ‘subsequent Lionel Messi’ now rebuilding profession in League One
Celtic’s former younger prodigy Karamoko Dembele, usually dubbed ‘the following Lionel Messi’, is rebuilding his profession in League One.
Dembele, who was as soon as in comparison with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, made historical past at Celtic in 2016 when he debuted for his or her U20 facet at simply 13 years outdated. Now 20, Dembele is spending a season-long mortgage at Blackpool, hoping to ignite his skilled profession.
His journey started when he joined Celtic’s academy from native novice facet Park Villa in 2013. Born in London to Ivorian mother and father and moved to Scotland earlier than his first birthday, he is eligible to play for 3 nations.
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Dembele shortly made a reputation for himself at Celtic along with his record-breaking U20s look. David Feeney, his coach at Park Villa, wasn’t stunned, telling the Daily Record, through the Mirror‘s report: “He is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance and stays at Celtic then the sky is the limit for him. I honestly believe he can go all the way and be a great player… He’s the best young player I have ever worked with.”
Dembele shortly climbed the ranks at Celtic, making his first-team debut in May 2019 when he was simply 16. His efficiency caught the attention of supervisor Neil Lennon who mentioned: “He is the type of player that you want at Celtic. He gets the crowd off their feet with his football intelligence. Obviously we need to keep a lid on it, but it’s great that the fans have seen the glimpse of the future… He has been training with the first team and I had no hesitation giving him 45 minutes.”
Soon, huge names like Manchester City and Chelsea had been linked with Dembele, whereas England and Scotland vied for his companies. He represented each international locations at youth degree, leaving his worldwide future up within the air.
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However, Dembele’s progress wasn’t as swift as anticipated. He struggled to safe a daily spot within the first group and missed eight months attributable to a damaged ankle in summer season 2021. By the time he recovered, his contract was nearly over.
In June 2022, Dembele left Celtic, leaving followers pondering what might need been. But as one chapter ended, one other started – French facet Brest supplied him a four-year contract. This was an enormous alternative for the younger participant, with Brest competing in Ligue 1.
Dembele’s first season along with his new membership did not fairly hit the mark. Despite making 17 appearances in all competitions, he solely began one sport and did not handle to attain or help. Brest thought it greatest to mortgage him out.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: AP)
That’s when Blackpool stepped up. The Tangerines, who sadly dropped from the Championship final season, signed Dembele on the shut of the summer season switch window and gave him his League One debut in opposition to Wycombe final Saturday.
“I’ve had some cracking moments at Celtic and Brest and those experiences have helped me grow as a person and a player,” mentioned Dembele. “I love bringing a bit of excitement and entertainment to the pitch, and hopefully I can chip in with some goals and assists for the team.”
That’s precisely what he must do. Blackpool are possible to present Dembele the possibility to play recurrently at first-team degree, and he wants to indicate he is acquired the chops to remain in skilled soccer. If he can avoid accidents, this might be his breakout season.
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