Yesterday he made just his second appearance at Celtic Park, much more low profile than the excitement created against Hearts and May but no less significant in his development.
A year ago he was still something of a mystery, almost the product of social media as he jinxed past bigger kids, showed incredible skill, pace and power and finished every move by drilling the ball into the net.
Now he is a first team squad player, a kid looking for the real breakthrough with a 45 minute marker on the mind of the Celtic support from his debut against Hearts in May.
Great feeling to be back at Paradise!???? pic.twitter.com/4UCTNRixYK
— Karamoko Dembele (@kdembele_10) July 13, 2019
Before being eligible to sit his driving test he has won more career championship medals that Steven Gerrard but now comes probably the toughest phase of his career. Currently he is near the bottom of the list of first team options available to Neil Lennon but that can change rapidly with the 16-year-old knowing that he has to deliver in a professional environment when he gets the chance.
The Celtic boss is looking to integrate Dembele fully into his top team squad but over the next seven weeks his priority is reaching the group phase of the Champions League and going into the first international break on top domestically.
Those demands don’t leave much room for development, to indulge anyone never mind a 16-year-old with an eye on the medium term.
Like he did in May on his debut Dembele needs to make his mark in any game that he plays, as a winger he’s expected to turn games around, create chances and score goals.
Pre-season ended yesterday, it’s serious business from here onwards with the highly talented 16-year-old showing the professionalism and drive to take the next steps to force his way into contention.
After Gemmell, KT and Boyd probably the best left back that the world has ever seen.https://t.co/5iktz2jeYe
— Joe McHugh (@videocelts) July 13, 2019
