23 September 2023 , 08:00
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Being described as "similar to Lionel Messi" can be a blessing - but it can also be a curse.
Karamoko Dembele knows exactly what it's like to have that label weigh heavy on his shoulders. The former England youth international was compared to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner when he made history at Scottish giants Celtic in 2016.
Aged just 13, Dembele made his debut for Celtic's U20 side. It was a remarkable achievement, but the winger is still waiting for his professional career to spark into life. Now 20, he finds himself completing a season-long loan spell at League One side Blackpool.
Dembele's journey from Glasgow to the seaside started when he joined Celtic's academy from local amateur side Park Villa in 2013. Born in London to parents from the Ivory Coast, he moved to Scotland before his first birthday - making him eligible for three nations.
It took Dembele just three years to make a name for himself at Celtic with his record-breaking appearance for the U20s. Some fans were staggered by his achievement, but David Feeney - who coached him at Park Villa - wasn't surprised in the slightest.
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"He is very similar to Lionel Messi," Feeney told the Daily Record. "If he has the right guidance and stays at Celtic then the sky is the limit for him. I honestly believe he can go all the way and be a great player... He's the best young player I have ever worked with."
Dembele continued to progress quickly through Celtic's ranks. He was given his first-team debut in May 2019 - aged just 16 - and did enough to impress manager Neil Lennon. "He is the type of player that you want at Celtic," said Lennon.
"He gets the crowd off their feet with his football intelligence. Obviously we need to keep a lid on it, but it's great that the fans have seen the glimpse of the future... He has been training with the first team and I had no hesitation giving him 45 minutes."
Dembele made his first-team debut for Celtic aged 16 (Getty Images)Dembele was soon being linked with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, while England and Scotland battled to secure his services. He went on to represent both countries at youth level, with his international future still hanging in the balance.
Dembele didn't progress as quickly as expected, however. He struggled to feature consistently for the first team and missed eight months of action after suffering a broken ankle during the summer of 2021. By the time he returned, his contract was nearly up.
He left Celtic in June 2022, leaving fans wondering what could've been. But as one door closed, another opened - as French side Brest offered Dembele a four-year contract. It was a huge opportunity for the youngster, with Brest competing in Ligue 1.
Dembele's first season with his new club didn't quite go to plan. Although he made 17 appearances in all competitions, he started just one game and failed to score or register an assist. Brest decided the best option was to send him out on loan.
The winger is currently on loan at Blackpool (Getty Images)Who's the most exciting young footballer right now? Let us know in the comments below!
That's where Blackpool came in. The Tangerines, who suffered relegation from the Championship last season, signed Dembele at the end of the summer transfer window and handed him his League One debut against Wycombe last Saturday.
"I've had some good moments at Celtic and Brest and those experiences have helped me develop as a person and a player," said Dembele. I like to bring excitement and entertainment to the pitch, and hopefully I can add some goals and assists to the team."
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That's what he needs to do. Blackpool are expected to give Dembele the chance to play consistently at first-team level, and he must prove he's got what it takes to remain in professional football. If he can avoid injuries, this could be his breakthrough season.