Nygren has thoroughly impressed in pre-season and Rodgers reckons he’s nabbed himself a bargain
Benjamin Nygren on the ball against Sporting CP(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers has hailed Benjamin Nygren as a brilliant bargain buy and tipped the Swede to become a Celtic star.
The playmaker wowed Hoops fans in Wednesday night’s friendly win against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
And Rodgers is convinced there is more to come from the 24-year-old this coming season.
Nygren landed in a cut-price £1.7million deal and the Parkhead gaffer reckons his value has already shot up. Rodgers is determined to help the attacking midfielder develop and become a smash-hit for Celts.
The Hoops boss said: “I’m really excited about him. He’s a talent but it’s about how these boys adapt to the pressure of being at Celtic. So far he has done very well.
“He moves so well. He’s fluid, he can play, one or two touches.
“I want to improve the intensity of his pressing but that will come. He covers the ground so easily. He can take the ball up the pitch and he has a lovely, deft pass on him.
“He’s a young player but he’s also a leader. He’s got a profile, he’s got authority. He was obviously captain for his former club so has great leadership qualities.
“He was obviously coming to the end of his contract and we were looking to maximise the value, so he’s clearly worth a lot more than that.”
Nygren impressed against Sporting – along with several other star men, including Reo Hatate and Kieran Tierney.
Rodgers was delighted with the club’s Portuguese camp and he’s looking to step up another level against Newcastle United at Celtic Park this weekend.
He said: “The combination between the midfield three was very good the other night.
“There was Cal as the playmaker, with his vision.
“Reo further up the pitch and then Benjamin, who was moving so well and getting into positions where you can see he has the ability to score goals.
“It was nice to play with that confidence. As a club, the preparations have been outstanding.”
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