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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

American legend hails Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz as one of MLS' best right now

Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz is one of the most technically gifted and adaptable players in the MLS, according to American legend Brad Friedel.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been strongly linked with an £8 million swoop for the 22-year-old Polish playmaker who currently plays in the USA with Los Angeles FC.

And former Liverpool, Spurs, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers keeper Friedel, who went on to become a manager with New England Revolution, pinpointed Bogusz as a player who caught his eye due to his impressive displays for his club.

Bogusz, who has been hotly tipped to win his first international call-up for Poland against Scotland in the Nations League next month, moved to the MLS last year and Friedel is an admirer of his talents.

He said: "Mateusz Bogusz is highly regarded in America.

"I think Los Angeles FC have used him very wisely because when he first arrived he did not play all the time and was called up sparingly from the bench.

"But now he is a very important part of the team and I think the manager Steve Cherundolo has been very clever with his development.

"He is very well trained technically. He can also make a strong tackle when necessary.

"But what impresses me most is how he can find his way in any system that the manager imposes.

"LAFC are a versatile team that sometimes holds onto the ball and keeps possession. But on other occasions, they defend deep and look for counter-attacks.

"Bogusz plays well in both systems.

"He can go into a quick counter-attack and then quickly return to defence. He is just a really good all-round player.

"For me, I certainly feel he is ready to be called up for Poland and play full international football and play a significant role there. "I'm also curious about how his career will develop, because I'm sure many clubs from Europe are monitoring him.

"He's under contract until 2026 and that means the club has a plan for him and they clearly want him to be their main midfielder soon.

"Polish footballers always seem to have a good mentality.

"In the USA, you have to play on grass pitches and then artificial pitches and the travelling means you can be away for a few days for every game. It can be a problem.

"I always found Polish players never had any issues with this and adapted easily.

"And Mateusz clearly settled in very well."

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