Next Big Stars to Watch After Ben Doak’s Rise

Celtic Youth Academy: Next Big Stars to Watch After Ben Doak’s Rise

Celtic FC has a long history of developing young talent, and the club’s youth academy remains one of the finest in Scotland. After the rapid rise of Ben Doak, who left for Liverpool in 2022 and is now making waves in the Premier League, attention has once again turned to the next generation of players coming through the ranks. Doak’s success is a testament to Celtic’s ability to nurture young talent, and fans are eager to see who could be next to make their mark in the first team or on the European stage.

Here are some of the most exciting prospects from Celtic’s youth academy who could follow in Ben Doak’s footsteps.

Rocco Vata

One of the most talked-about young players at Celtic, Rocco Vata is a dynamic midfielder with excellent vision and technical ability. Son of former Celtic defender Rudi Vata, Rocco has football in his blood, and he has already been making a name for himself in the club’s development squads. Vata’s versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, and his composure on the ball suggests he could be ready for a first-team breakthrough soon.

Having impressed with Celtic B in the Lowland League and at international youth levels with Ireland, Vata is a player to watch closely. He has already been involved in first-team training sessions, and a debut appearance could be on the horizon as he continues to develop.

Bosun Lawal
Irish defender Bosun Lawal has been catching the eye since his arrival at Celtic from Watford in 2021. The tall, powerful centre-back has made significant strides in his development, and his performances for Celtic B have led many to believe he is ready for the next step. Lawal is known for his physical presence, intelligent positioning, and ability to play out from the back – qualities that could make him a key figure in Celtic’s defense in the coming years.

With Celtic often needing to rotate their squad during busy periods, Lawal could be given chances in domestic cup competitions or when injuries hit the first team, following a path similar to that of Stephen Welsh before him.

Ben Summers
Another exciting talent emerging from Celtic’s academy is Ben Summers, a creative midfielder with the ability to unlock defenses. Known for his close control, quick feet, and excellent passing range, Summers has been a standout performer for the club’s youth teams. His technical ability and flair make him an exciting prospect in the attacking third, where he can play as a number 10 or on the wings.

As Celtic continue to look for players who can bring creativity to the side, Summers may be given opportunities to prove himself at senior level, particularly in cup matches or from the bench in league games.

Tobi Oluwayemi
Goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi is widely regarded as one of the brightest young shot-stoppers in the Celtic system. Having joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, Oluwayemi has impressed with his agility, reflexes, and ability to command his area. He has represented England at youth level, and his performances for Celtic B have drawn comparisons to current Celtic No.1 Joe Hart.

With Hart in the twilight of his career and Celtic’s goalkeeping situation uncertain beyond him, Oluwayemi could be primed to make his breakthrough in the next year or two. If given a chance in cup games or to deputize in league matches, Oluwayemi could quickly become a fixture in the senior squad.

Mitchell Frame
A promising left-back, Mitchell Frame is another player Celtic fans are keeping a close eye on. The full-back position has been one of importance for Celtic, with the likes of Kieran Tierney setting high standards for academy graduates in that role. Frame has the pace, work rate, and defensive intelligence to potentially follow in Tierney’s footsteps, and his ability to contribute offensively with overlapping runs and accurate crosses makes him a well-rounded prospect.

Still developing physically, Frame could benefit from a loan spell to gain more first-team experience, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him feature in the first team sooner rather than later.

The Path to the First Team
Celtic have shown a willingness to give young players a chance in the first team, especially when they impress in training or during pre-season. Manager Brendan Rodgers, who has returned for a second spell at the club, is known for his ability to develop young talent, having done so at Celtic previously and at clubs like Leicester City and Liverpool.

While the pathway to the first team is competitive, Celtic’s focus on youth development means opportunities are always available for those who show the right mentality and quality. The rise of Ben Doak serves as a reminder that Celtic’s academy remains a fertile ground for future stars, and the next few seasons could see several of these exciting prospects make their breakthrough at Celtic Park.

For Celtic supporters, the excitement of seeing homegrown players take the field is always special. As the club continues to dominate Scottish football and look to make an impact in Europe, the next generation of academy graduates could be crucial to maintaining Celtic’s success both domestically and on the continent.

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