Dembele backed to thrive in England
FORMER West Brom defender Cristian Gamboa today insisted his Celtic team mate Moussa Dembele would have no difficulty playing for a top six club in England.
Dembele took his tally for the 2016/17 campaign to 29 with a double in the 2-0 triumph over Hamilton at Parkhead on Saturday.
The 20-year-old French striker has been repeatedly linked with a £30 million move to Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea during the summer.
The former Fulham player was also tipped to join Manchester United as a replacement for Wayne Rooney in the close season at the weekend.
Gamboa is hopeful the prolific forward stays in Glasgow for the foreseeable future – but has no fears about his ability to play at the very top level if he does move south at some point.
Asked about whether he could play for one of the top six clubs in England, Gamboa said: “One hundred per cent he can do it. He can go to Real Madrid or wherever he wants. He is a top player. The first goal he scored on Saturday was world class.
“He is key for Celtic. He has had a really good season. He is on fire. Whenever he shoots he is going to score. When you have a player like this he has to be in the team. I think he is showing everyone he deserves the price that has been put on him.”
Asked if he was really worth £30 million, Gamboa added: “I’d give you £50 million for him, but I don’t have the money! He can go wherever he wants. He has to decide, the club have to decide. It is his decision.”
Gamboa, the Costa Rican internationalist who joined in £1 million move back in August, also believes Dembele can improve significantly in the future.
“The age he is, just 20, means there is a lot that he still has to do. Just imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s 25.”