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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Ramage

Ronny Deila raves about Kieran Tierney as former Celtic boss makes lofty Virgil van Dijk comparison

It's always nice when your old boss backs you to go on and be successful.

And former Celtic manager Ronny Deila thinks that Kieran Tierney will go down and storm it in the English Premier League following his record-breaking move to Arsenal.

It may have broken Hoops hearts to see him kitted out in red this week.

But Deila feels the 22-year will follow in Virgil Van Dijk 's footsteps and become a legend in his new colours.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I am as sure as I was with Virgil van Dijk that he is going to make it.

“To take it to the highest level you need something special and these players are special.”

Deila was also quick to point out one of Kieran's best qualities, which he insisted was the best of any player he's ever coached.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

He said: “He had a physique that was unbelievable — so quick, he had stamina, he was strong.

"He was also intelligent and at the same time very good one against one, going both ways.

"The ability, football-wise, was really really good. But the best was his attitude.

“His attitude was maybe the best I have ever seen.”

Tierney became the most expensive ever Scottish player when he completed his £25 million move to London.

He made 170 appearances for Celtic, becoming an integral part of the treble Treble winning side.

(Action Images via Reuters)

The defender man has already made a big impression at Arsenal, breaking a club record during his medical.

His 55cm vertical jump beat Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang's 44cm effort, which was caught on camera as the London giant's filmed his moves for a behind-the-scenes feature.

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