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Motherwell announced on Wednesday evening that Celtic have agreed a fee for the transfer of midfielder David Turnbull this summer.
The teenage prospect is set to become the Steelmen’s most expensive export ever after a sensational 2018/19 season that saw him light up the Scottish Premiership with exciting attacking midfield play.
Neil Lennon already has a number of options available in the middle of the park, many of whom are established in the squad as big personalities and guaranteed starters.
Interesting then to consider where Turnbull might fit in next term and how much game time Celtic fans can expect from him.
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On the chalkboard
As noted, it’s the attacking output of Turnbull that has wowed pundits and fans in Scottish football over the last 12 months.
The 19-year-old made his debut for the club in the 2017/18 season but it was last term that he really made the breakthrough, appearing 31 times across the season.
With 15 goals and six assists, not many players delivered that level of direct goal contribution and considering it was effectively his rookie season it was doubly impressive.
Celtic of course rarely lack for goals but his tally even compares favourably to players such as Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor despite both playing in a more attack-minded team surrounded by better players.
Turnbull became the fulcrum around which the Steelmen’s entire attacking game was played – a player not afraid to run beyond the striker and latch onto balls in the box.
Armstrong replacement
Celtic sold Stuart Armstrong to Southampton last summer and failed to really replace him in the transfer market. His goal threat and uncanny ability to drift into dangerous areas off the ball became a key weapon during Brendan Rodgers’ first two seasons.
Ryan Christie performed a similar role when he broke into the team last term but there didn’t seem to be much design about that, the player simply forced his way into contention despite being sidelined consistently by Rodgers.
Turnbull will be expected to perform a similar role to both when he does get chances in the first-team. Direct movement, composure on the ball and a lethal finishing ability in and around the box will be what Lennon is after.
With energy and ambition he has the ability to change games coming off the bench or offer much-needed relief to the likes of Tom Rogic around international breaks and European schedules.
A target of 30 games for the player would be reasonable from both the club and Turnbull’s perspective and Lennon shouldn’t be afraid to utilise him in domestic competition.
Despite his young age, he’s already demonstrated he’s good enough.