Five prospects in Scotland ready to take Van Dijk-path to Premier League

 

With the new Scottish Premiership season around the corner, there are a number of key players worth keeping an eye on throughout the campaign.

 

Whether you're completely new to the league, or know your Staggies from your Steelmen, Scotland has an excellent track record of producing elite footballers.

 

You only need to look at half of Liverpool's back four to realise there are gems in Scottish football. Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson are regarded as the best in their position and perhaps there are more currently plying their trade in Scotland on the brink of making the same next step.

 

WhoScored.com has identified five players ready to push for a high profile move in the near future. 

 

Odsonne Edouard (Celtic)

 

Let's start off with the most exciting talent in Scottish football. At just 22, Odsonne Edouard has quickly become the first name on the Celtic team-sheet.

 

Standing at 6'2, Edouard is superb at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. Yet he is much more than that, illustrated by a stunning return of 22 goals in 27 league appearances last season. Many Hoops believe Edouard has a higher ceiling than his compatriot, and ex-Celt, Moussa Dembele.

 

Having represented France's underage groups from U17 right up until U21 level, Les Blues certainly believe Edouard is one for the future. With Olivier Giroud coming to the end of his career and Karim Benzema still out of the picture, it won't be long before the Celtic frontman is knocking on Didier Deschamps' door, if he isn't already.

 

Following promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, Leeds have set their sights high for next season and are reportedly keen on Edouard, though it looks like the striker will stick around for at least one more season as Celtic aim for a historic 10th-straight league title.

 

 

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)

 

You may be more familiar with Rangers' star man, Alfredo Morelos, who's never too far away from the national headlines.

 

But away from his questionable disciplinary record, it's important to remember the 24-year-old is excellent in front of goal. The Colombia international has 77 goals in 137 appearances for Rangers and his incandescent personality has quickly seen him gather cult hero status at the Glasgow club.

 

Morelos has already demonstrated he can mix it with the best of them in Europe, too. The striker shone in Rangers' 2019/20 Europa League campaign with 14 goals in 16 appearances, including crucial strikes against Feyenoord, Young Boys and FC Porto.

 

Suggestions Morelos, nicknamed 'The Buffalo', has agreed personal terms with French outfit Lille will send shudders down the spines of Rangers fans, particularly if Celtic manage to keep hold of Odsonne Edouard. Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Newcastle are reportedly also keen.

 

David Turnbull (Motherwell)

 

Last season was a rollercoaster one for David Turnbull. Between big-money moves, injuries and returning to his boyhood club - the Lanarkshire man managed them all in the space of a month.

 

Celtic recognised his obviously startling last summer, putting together a multi-million pound purchase of the 21-year-old and even donning the creative midfielder in the Celtic kit alongside CEO Peter Lawell.

 

However, just as thinks looked up for Turnbull they came crashing down. A move collapsed at the eleventh-hour after his medical report returned adverse results. He would then spend the next eight months on the sidelines after going under the knife to resolve a knee problem.

 

The Scottish football hiatus could not have come at a better time for Turnbull. Now back to full fitness, the Motherwell midfielder is penned in for 90 minutes against Ross County on Monday night.

 

What to expect? Patience, initially, after such a long spell out injured, but he is a dynamic attacking talent with a footballing brain beyond his years. Not shy to shoot, the Well academy graduate returned 15 goals in 30 appearances from midfield in the 2018/19 season prior to injury.

 

Nathan Patterson (Rangers)

 

Rangers have come in for strong criticism of late for their stuttering youth academy. Many feel they have fallen beyond in regards with bringing through Scottish talent on a regular basis.

 

However, with Nathan Patterson they could be about to buck the trend. Handed his debut in Rangers' 2-0 win over Stranraer in the Scottish Cup at the start of the year, Patterson impressed with an accomplished performance from right-back.

 

After promoting Patterson from shirt number 63 to 16 for the new campaign, Steven Gerrard has offered a clear indication the 18-year-old can expect to play a big part in Rangers' season.

 

He is without doubt the most promising young player on Rangers' books and supporters will have high hopes for the attacking-minded right-back. With both Jon Flanagan and Matt Polster exiting the club, a space has opened for the teenager to really kick on. Watch out for his superb crossing.

 

Jamie Hamilton (Hamilton)

 

You'll never guess who he plays for? That's right, Hamilton's Accies defender Jamie Hamilton has been the worst kept secret in Scotland for a while now.

 

At just 18 years old, the defender has attracted interest from the likes of German duo Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen and Premier Leauge outfit Brighton, among others.

 

In just 12 appearances last season, Hamilton is already considered an indispensable cog of the side. One thing to keep an eye on, however, is the youngster's disciplinary record. He has already been sent off three times.

 

Nonetheless, there's a reason Brighton offered Hamilton a trial at the Amex and several other clubs will no doubt continue to monitor his development in Scotland.

Five prospects in Scotland ready to take Van Dijk-path to Premier League