Italian football scout recommends Celtic's Kieran Tierney to Juventus

Nicola Liguori likened Kieran Tierney to a young Patrice Evra. Picture: SNS Group

Nicola Liguori, writing in Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, likened the 20-year-old to a “young Patrice Evra” and hinted that the Bianconeri should run the rule over the defender, who was linked with Manchester United last week.

The Serie A giants are in the market for full backs, and have been linked with United right back Matteo Darmian.

But Liguori reckons that, as far as left-sided full-backs go, Juve could do worse than scout Tierney.

Hailing Tierney’s temperament and attacking prowess, Liguori tipped the defender as having the qualities to become a big player.

He continued: “I first saw [Tierney] in an Old Firm game in September 2016; a match of monstrous intensity [with] seven bookings, a red card...

“In the middle of the battle there was a young boy, aged 19, who possessed a Latin technique that set him apart from the rest.

“This game alerted me to Tierney, who I then watched six to seven times in the [Scottish Premiership], Champions League and the national team.”

Juventus defender Alex Sandro, who played understudy to Patrice Evra before making the left back slot his own. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

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Tierney has made more than 115 appearances for Celtic, and has already captained the side. The Isle of Man-born player has also won nine caps for Scotland, and has been backed by Brendan Rodgers to captain Scotland one day.

Liguori praised the “pure left-sided” Tierney’s versatility, pointing out that “in an emergency, he can play in a back three because he is so reliable defensively”.

Tierney has also operated at right back for Scotland on a handful of occasions in order to accommodate Liverpool left back Andy Robertson.

Tierney has made over 100 appearances for Celtic. Picture: SNS Group

Liguori continues: “He is strong in the tackle, he overlaps continuously and has excellent technique. In some ways he reminds me of Evra during his early years at Manchester United.

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“We are talking about a 20-year-old who has made 29 assists in the last three seasons. In the current campaign, despite the calf problems he’s suffered in recent weeks, he’s on nine [assists].”

Liguori is of the opinion that Tierney needs to work on his heading technique but insists the player has what it takes to be a success on the continent.

“The most logical step up for Tierney would be joining an English Premier League club, where there is no language barrier and a similar style of play.

“But he has all the attributes to succeed even at a big Italian club, although it would take a little while for him to adapt to a more tactical approach to the game.

“The ideal route for him would be to mirror Alex Sandro’s rise at Juve when he alternated with Evra - first year playing understudy to an expert player, and then a gradual explosion.”

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