Celtic defender Filip Benkovic wants to learn from Dedryck Boyata as he tries to establish himself in the Hoops first team.
Having recently returned from injury, Benkovic is keen to establish a partnership with Belgian international Boyata at the heart of the Parkhead defence.
He seems himself learning in training each day from a player with international experience. “I am looking forward to playing beside him,” said the 20-year-old.
“Dedryck plays for the Belgian national team, which shows his quality.
“Every day in training, I watch his moves and I’ve learned a lot just from that I file away everything I learn from him in my head.
“He also gives me advice – just like Jozo [Simunovic] and the other players, which is positive. Celtic have a good mix of young and experienced players in the central defensive positions.
“That means the younger ones like myself have very good energy while the older professionals bring their knowledge.”
Brendan Rodgers’ side are in Germany on Thursday to face Leipzig in what could prove a crucial Europa League tussle.
Both teams have three points from two games in Group B and look set to scrap it out in their bid to join group leaders Salzburg in the knockouts.
Benkovic knows that the Scottish champions desperately need to bring something home from Germany and earning a clean sheet is the way to ensure it.
“It can be our toughest game. But we have one clean sheet – why not another? “European football is top for me.
These games against teams like Leipzig are special because the players are all international level and they are main players in the national teams.
“It’s a challenge for us to see where we are and to try and be competitive.”
Celtic are 6.00 to win in Germany, with the draw 4.75. Leipzig are 1.66 to earn a second win in three games.
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