Chelsea’s loan star Shim Mheuka has barely stepped onto the pitch for Celtic, but he’s already making waves, and not just because of a controversially disallowed goal. Turns out, before he ever pulled on the Hoops, Mheuka got some crucial advice from none other than former Rangers loanee Mikey Moore! Talk about an unexpected assist.
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Mheuka, a highly-rated teenager, made the season-long move to Glasgow last week, and he’s already seeing action, featuring from the bench against both Aberdeen and St Mirren. What really caught our eye, though, was his candid take on why Celtic was the move. “It’s everything really, from the way they play football, to the fanbase and the league itself,” Mheuka told TCW. “Everything attached me to the club. Celtic is the perfect step for me in my development, and to take me to the next level.” You gotta love that kind of self-awareness. He’s looking to grow, and he knows this is the spot.
He’d heard about Celtic’s interest all summer, and when it came down to making the jump, he did what any smart player does: he talked to his inner circle. “It’s about talking to those close to you and who have your best interest at heart, whether it’s at Chelsea or friends and family, to make the best decision.” That’s smart business. He says he feels “more excitement than nerves” about coming to Scotland, having already made a big move from Brighton to Chelsea early in his academy days.
The kid almost had his first Celtic goal against St Mirren, too. He thought he’d put one in, only for it to be controversially ruled out for offside. Ouch. “It’s been amazing so far. I thought I’d scored the other night, but that’s football,” he reflected, showing a good head on his shoulders. “Hopefully that’s a teaser and there will be plenty of more opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. I can’t dwell on it too much.” That’s the mindset you want!
Learning From Legends and Setting the Stage
Chelsea shelled out more than £4 million for Mheuka when he was just 15, and they’ve locked him down with a contract until 2031. He grew up a Chelsea supporter, and you can see who he looks up to. His inspirations are a who’s who of lethal finishers: Didier Drogba, R9 (even if he only saw clips), Luis Suarez, and Harry Kane. “Those are players I like to base my game off, taking bits from them, as they are a variety of great strikers.” Imagine having those guys in your highlight reel!
He’s also been soaking up knowledge from some absolute world-class talent at Chelsea, including John Terry, Reece James, and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez. Up front, he’s learned from Joao Pedro and Nicolas Jackson. “It’s about being a sponge and soaking up as much as I can from all of them,” Mheuka said. That hunger to learn is what’s going to take him far.
And then there’s the kicker: his chat with England Under-19 teammate Mikey Moore. Moore, remember, spent last season on loan at Rangers before heading to Köln this summer. “He’s a good friend of mine so I spoke to him before I came here and he told me it’s a beautiful city and I’d really enjoy it.” You can’t make this stuff up! A former Ranger giving glowing reviews of Glasgow to a future Celtic player. Wild!
Shim Mheuka is just getting started at Celtic, and with his drive and a little help from friends (even unexpected ones), you know he’s ready to explode. We can’t wait to see him finally bag that first official goal and keep pushing Celtic forward. Keep your eyes on this guy!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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