Leigh Griffiths names which Celtic player is ‘one of the top young talents in Europe’

After Celtic beat Rangers 4-0 in the Scottish semi-final on Sunday, Scottish forward Leigh Griffiths paid tribute to Moussa Dembele for his contribution at Hampden Park.

The 21-year-old scored one of the four goals against the Hoops’ fierce rivals and was a constant threat for 79 minutes. Dembele joined Celtic from English Championships Fulham in 2016 and has gone on to make 85 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 64 goals.

He had a fantastic first season in Scotland, bagging 17 goals in 29 league games, but has struggled for the same consistency a year later.

The French u21 international has netted eight in 23 in the league but has been more prolific in the domestic cups – three goals in two League Cup games and three goals in three Scottish FA Cup games.

Dembele has been linked with a move away from Celtic, with Arsenal and Chelsea named as suitors, and Griffiths believes the striker is one of the best in his age group in Europe.

The 27-year-old has scored 99 goals in all competitions for Celtic but believes the sky is the limit for his teammate.

He said to Celticfc.net:

“Moussa showed with that display that he is one of the top young talents in Europe. He bullied their centre-halves and he was unplayable, and his penalty just summed the guy up.

 “It doesn’t matter how big the occasion is, he is always calm. I thought he was exceptional. He never gave the Rangers defence a minute’s peace. He has that in the locker and when he is in the mood like that he is a joy to watch.”