Former Arsenal and West Ham forward Omer Riza has praised the abilities of Celtic’s young star Bosun Lawal, likening him to retired Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure and Everton’s Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré. Lawal, born in Ireland, spent last season on loan at Fleetwood Town, showcasing his versatility in both midfield and defence.
In an interview with The Celtic Way, Riza, who previously coached Lawal at Watford, highlighted the player’s physical prowess as a standout attribute. He was big, strong, and powerful even in his teens, qualities that you cannot teach or create, Riza remarked.
Comparing Lawal to Doucouré, Riza noted, When you look at the two players, you can see the similarities. Bosun wasn’t as dynamic when he played centre-back for Watford, but his time at Fleetwood has shown his capability in midfield as well.
Riza believes Lawal has the potential to excel at centre back, citing his physical attributes as a key strength against quick forwards. Despite joining Celtic in 2021, the 21 year old has yet to secure a permanent spot in the first team, but the upcoming preseason offers him a chance to impress manager Brendan Rodgers.
Editorial
We are excited about the potential Bosun Lawal brings to Celtic. His physical prowess and versatility, highlighted by former coach Omer Riza, make him a valuable asset. Comparisons to Yaya Toure and Abdoulaye Doucouré are not made lightly, and they reflect Lawal’s promising future in football.
Lawal’s journey from Ireland to Fleetwood Town on loan illustrates his dedication and ambition. His development during this period has been impressive, demonstrating his ability to adapt and excel in different roles. This adaptability is crucial in modern football, where players are often required to perform in multiple positions.
The upcoming preseason is a pivotal moment for Lawal. It is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and secure a permanent place in Brendan Rodgers’ squad. We believe Lawal has the potential to become a key player for Celtic, much like the legends he is compared to.
Football is a sport of continuous growth and learning, and Lawal’s journey is a testament to this. His physical attributes and growing tactical awareness position him well for future success. As he continues to develop, we are confident that he will make significant contributions to Celtic’s success.
Lawal’s story is a reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to grow. We look forward to seeing his progress and the impact he will make in the upcoming season.
Did You Know?
- Bosun Lawal was born in Ireland and started his football career at St. Kevin’s Boys, a club known for producing talented players.
- Yaya Toure won the African Player of the Year award four times during his career.
- Abdoulaye Doucouré played a key role in helping Watford reach the FA Cup final in 2019.
- Fleetwood Town, where Lawal spent last season on loan, competes in England’s League One.
- Brendan Rodgers, the current manager of Celtic, has previously managed Liverpool and Leicester City in the Premier League.
