Seb Tounekti has declared that he has evolved into a genuine "have-a-go hero" for Celtic, a stark contrast to his early days when he was often too scared to pull the trigger in crucial moments. The Tunisian international's spectacular long-range strike against Kilmarnock last Sunday ignited an extraordinary comeback from two goals down, ultimately leading to Julian Araujo's dramatic 97th-minute winner.
From Hesitation to Heroics
Tounekti, who joined Celtic from Swedish side Hammarby last summer, credits manager Martin O'Neill and his coaching staff as the primary catalysts for his remarkable transformation. He emphasises that their unwavering support has been instrumental in building his confidence on the pitch.
The Manager's Influence
"I feel like everyone has helped me a tremendous amount," Tounekti stated. "The manager has also been providing me with some absolutely fantastic advice. For me, the main objective was to rediscover my self-belief. He has given me the freedom to express myself as a player and to add that extra quality in the final third."
He elaborated further, saying, "O'Neill told me he simply wants me to beat defenders. As a winger who loves to dribble and take on players, that philosophy is absolutely perfect. From the very first day, I was incredibly excited to work under his guidance. I am just trying to take it step by step and absorb everything I possibly can."
Building Confidence Through Repetition
The 23-year-old winger reflected on his development, noting that while he always trained for decisive moments as a young player, he often hesitated during actual matches. "Perhaps I haven't taken as many shots in games as I truly wanted to," he admitted.
"However, now that I have the confidence and feel the full backing of the team behind me, I have the belief to attempt those audacious efforts. I am fully aware that I possess a capable right foot, and I can utilise it effectively. Hopefully, I will start using it more frequently because my ultimate goal is to help the team win matches."
Proving His Worth Over Ninety Minutes
After an initial promising period following his move to Glasgow, Tounekti experienced a dip in form. However, his impactful performances from the bench—scoring the winner against Dundee and sparking the comeback against Kilmarnock—have reignited his determination to prove he is a consistent ninety-minute player.
"I helped the team significantly for a couple of weeks, and I believe it is my responsibility to continue doing so," he added. "The club signed me to score goals, provide assists, and help Celtic secure victories. Now, it is about delivering that level of performance throughout the entire match. As a player, I view this as the essential next step in my progression."
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Tounekti remains dedicated to honing his skills, often staying behind after training sessions to put in extra work. "I know that repetition is key to improvement, and I am confident it will translate into my match performances," he explained.
"I am feeling very positive at the moment. I want to maintain this momentum, but I also have a strong desire to keep improving. I believe I can become an even better player. For me, it is about staying humble and trying to learn something new every single day. My hope is that I can continue to develop and be a valuable asset to the team."
