Kolo Toure is convinced that Kieran Tierney can surpass the achievements of Premier League all-time great Ashley Cole.
Tierney, 20, was hailed by Steven Gerrard as a player who will be monitored by the English big guns in the wake of his impressive performance for the Hoops in their Champions League win at Anderlecht last week.
New Celtic coach Toure echoed those sentiments as he compared the left-back to his former Arsenal teammate Cole, who won two titles and three FA Cups and was an integral member of the Gunners’ 2003-04 Invincibles.
A move to Chelsea followed where he won another Premier League title, another four FA Cups, one League Cup and one Champions League.
“Kieran reminds me a lot of Ashley Cole in the way he bombs up and down the flanks and that he is also so physically strong,” Toure said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“He plays every game as well. He is not the tallest, but he is a fighter and he is strong. He crosses, gets back and defends. He is a very, very good player.
“Can he reach Ashley Cole’s level one day? Of course. He has great potential.”
OPINION
Of all the members of the Celtic squad that has dominated Scottish football in recent times, none is more exciting than Tierney. Sure, Moussa Dembele is the real deal and can make a big impact at the highest level. But even Dembele may not go on to play as much Champions League football as his defensive teammate, whose calibre and potential is clear for all to see. Tierney has the game, and seemingly the attitude, to be a genuine star. Celtic and Scotland are lucky to have him.