Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson believes that pressure played a huge part in Karamoko Dembele’s decision to leave the club. 

The winger who first caught everyone’s attention at the age of just 13 when he was selected to play in Celtic’s U20’s development team departed the club on a free transfer to Stade Brestois during the week.

At this point, it was believed that the winger would be the next big thing from Celtic’s youth academy with interest coming from some of the top teams in Europe.

His career at Celtic never really got going having only made ten first team appearances since being given his debut under Neil Lennon at the end of season 2018/19.

It could be said that the 19-year old is a victim of circumstances. The reset button was pressed at Parkhead upon the arrival of Ange Postecoglou at Celtic. Every player was going to be given an opportunity to impress the manager.

Had it not been for a horror tackle in a friendly match against Bristol City during last year’s pre-season it could have been a totally different time for Dembele.

During his time at the club he was selected by three separate managers but with such a close title run in and injury issues last season, the winger only made two appearances under Postecoglou from the bench.

Mark Wilson believes that this move to France is a positive one for the winger and gives him a chance to prove himself and live up to the early hype.

“He’s got probably something to prove. He will be desperate to show that he is the player everybody thought he could be,” said Mark Wilson speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard.

“So it could be but just the whole spotlight on him in this country. I mean, how many kids can we say that about in Scotland?

“Well, it’s incredibly difficult.

“I wish we would stop putting so much pressure on our young players who comes through because it does hinder them. There’s no doubt about it.

“You know, we should let them go and play, dip in and out the team when it suits. And there was so many questions.

“Why is he not starting in the first team?

“He obviously wasn’t quite ready and even when he did play, the fans seen him coming on, they would be expecting too much again.

“There’s no doubt he’s got talent. And I wish him all the best. I hope he goes away and I hope he plays for a number of years.

“I mean, you get in England. Remember Wayne Rooney came through from 16, this kid is a wonderkid and he proved he was.This goes back a long, long way.

“I mean, this goes back since 2013 this kid has had this pressure. How do you deal with that?”

Brest finished eleventh in Ligue 1 last season so it will be fascinating to see how Dembele’s career progresses after his move to France.

 

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