Sebastian Tounekti has become an increasingly influential figure for Celtic in recent weeks, with his cameo appearances suggesting he is beginning to settle into life at the club.
Encouraging displays off the bench against Kilmarnock F.C. and Dundee F.C. have led some supporters to call for him to be handed a starting role. However, former Hoops defender Johan Mjallby is not convinced that promotion to the first XI is the right move just yet.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Europa League meeting with VfB Stuttgart, Mjallby suggested Tounekti can be inconsistent and may currently be better suited to an impact role.
“We have Tounekti now, who has been a bit in and out,” Mjallby said. When asked why the winger is not starting more regularly, he replied: “I’m not too sure if he deserves to start every game. I disagree there. For me, he’s one of those players who blows hot and cold. When he’s on it, he’s brilliant. But sometimes he can be quite easy to read and not much is happening.
“What I like about him is when he’s been brought on, he’s been an impact player. That’s why not all players start games regularly. When you get your chance, you need to score goals, make assists or contribute.”
Celtic’s selection dilemma on the left flank adds another layer to the debate. If Tounekti does not start, the alternative is often Daizen Maeda, who was withdrawn after an hour at Rugby Park and has struggled to consistently deliver in recent outings.
That could increase pressure on the manager to turn to Tounekti from the outset. Still, Mjallby believes his ability to change games from the bench — exploiting tiring defenders and injecting pace and directness — currently makes him more valuable as a substitute than a starter.
With Stuttgart visiting on Thursday night, Tounekti now has another opportunity to strengthen his case. Whether he does so from the first whistle or as an impact option may determine whether he can prove Mjallby wrong and cement a regular starting place.
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