Celtic

Celtic: Hartson compares Turnbull to Lampard

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Image for Celtic: Hartson compares Turnbull to Lampard

Celtic hero John Hartson has compared David Turnbull to England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Turnbull won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2020/21 campaign and also won the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year Awards at Celtic. He has also earned a call-up to the Scottish national team for Euro 2020.

Hartson spoke about the midfielder when he appeared on the latest episode of the Go Radio Football Show. The former Celt praised Turnbull for his performances and abilities and compared him to former Chelsea star Lampard.

Is it fair to compare Turnbull to Lampard?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Hartson said: “He’s been excellent in that tip in the front of that diamond – in behind the front two or even a one at times. He’s naturally ready for it because he’s one of the plus points for Celtic in the second half of the season that would get you a goal, that was full of energy, at his first real run in the team at Celtic.

“But that position in behind a Che Adams or a [Lyndon] Dykes is ideal for him because that’s his natural game. He likes to break off the front and get himself in the box, gamble and try to get at the end of a finish.

“You look at Scotland, have they got many of them one of them ones like a Frank Lampard type of player, the ones who used burst into the box, thrived on goals, wants to take free-kicks, dead ball situations – great technical quality? He’s perfect for that role.”

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TIF Thoughts on Turnbull…

Turnbull played more key passes per game than anyone else in the 2020/21 campaign for the Celtic first team. He took 2.2 shots per game, which was the third-best tally out of all the club’s players. It shows that he’s certainly a pretty reliable goal threat without being a high-volume dribbler (as per WhoScored).

Even Alex McLeish has compared Turnbull to Lampard, which is again a reflection of the impression he has made at the age of 21.

In other news: ‘In place for him already’ – Journalist drops Postecoglou transfer claim amid Celtic rumours

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European Football Writer. Contributed for FootballItalia, Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, Calciomercato, GFFN and more.