‘Such a presence’ – Exclusive: Pundit suggests Celtic 21-yr-old having big impact on teammates
Noel Whelan has been left raving over the impact that Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has on the rest of his teammates at Parkhead.
The former Leed and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says that the Frenchman is so much more than just a goalscorer for the Hoops.
Edouard continued his impressive record against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, scoring his seventh goal in as many Glasgow derbies in fortuitous circumstances, but he was unable to prevent the Bhoys from suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Having seen the 21-year-old miss a handful of games through injury between November and December, Whelan says that the striker’s influence when he is in the side cannot be underestimated.
Whelan told Football Insider: “Celtic are a better side with Edouard in it.
“He gives you such a presence up front, he’s very smart, he’s quick, he brings others into play.
“I think the Celtic team are more confident when he’s involved, when he’s playing. I think he gives them that little bit more lease of life and positivity with him up front.”
Sunday’s goal, which saw Callum McGregor’s shot ricochet off Edouard and past Allan McGregor into the net, was the French star’s 16th of the season, with a further 15 assists under his belt.
Since initially joining on loan from Paris St Germain back in 2017, he has netted 48 times in 111 appearances across all competitions.
In other Celtic news, Danny Mills admits he would not be surprised to see a 30-year-old return to Parkhead in 2020.