Karamoko Dembele shot to the headlines after video emerged of him in the St Kevins boys tournament in Northern Ireland, at U13 it was a game again Barcelona which captured the imagination, and a new star was born.
St Kevins is a regular haunt for scouts from the biggest clubs around the world, Karamoko was named played of the tournament, and instantly Celtic found themselves with an asset to protect. Within 3 months, at 13, he made his Celtic U20 debut, pictures went around the globe again of this little lad coming onto the pitch with big 20 year old lads.
His progression hasn’t slowed and at 17 he had made his first team league debut, was named on the bench in the Scottish cup final win, and he made his Europa League debut.
On the International front there is a constant push and pull between England and Scotland. At the moment he is playing for both at U17 level. Both countries will be pulling out all the stops to get him.
Karamoko is a natural winger, he is small in stature, with a low centre of gravity. His speed and balance is really good and he has real flair for a trick and a turn. He is really good with inside and outside cuts, and loves to slow and speed up the tempo, so beat an opponent. He is very used to being kicked and so is really tough, he will take a kick, and bounce up and carry on. He is right footed but his left foot is really well developed, he often plays on the left, and can cut inside or go outside. Generally he is a nightmare to play against!