Elie Youan has been handed a glowing report from former Belgium star Steven Defour and has told Hibs fans what they can expect to see from Lee Johnson's summer recruit.
Fellow new signing Aiden McGeady is well known for getting fans off their chairs and producing that piece of skill and magic that leaves you in awe. But Defour says new boy Youan is just as likely to excite supporters with his big quality outlined as his ability to dribble and produce that bit of magic.
He also has a number of other skills that the former Burnley, Porto and Anderlecht star, who is the current assistant manager at Mechelen where Youan spent the second half of last season, has opened up on. The 23-year-old has arrived at Easter Road on a season-long loan deal from St Gallen with Hibs holding an option to turn the deal into a permanent stay if it works out. He joins a host of first-team signings in the capital this summer including David Marshall and Jair Tavares.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Hibs v Hearts rescheduled as Sky Sports select new date for Edinburgh derby live broadcast
Speaking about Hibs' new recruit, Defour told the Daily Record: “I think Elie can be a success in Scotland. He can make a real difference with his technical ability.
“The one-on-one duels will be tough but he is strong enough to compete.
“He has the qualities to do well.
“Elie is a very good player. I would say he is like a nine-and-a-half .. I mean he is best just behind a striker but not quite so deep because he likes to come into the ball.
“He is very quick and very good at running with the ball at his feet.
“I have no doubt he will excite the fans.
“His pace is a huge asset. But he’s strong too and not easy to push off the ball.
“He is not bad in front of goal but his big quality is that ability to dribble and produce a bit of magic.”
On his capture of the young forward, Johnson previously stated: “We are excited to welcome Élie to Hibs and we are glad he chose us out of numerous clubs who were interested in him.
“Élie is a very versatile forward player with excellent speed and dynamism.
“His attributes will enable us to stretch the game and allow us to open up space for our technically-gifted midfield players.”
READ NEXT:
- Darren McGregor opens up on his new Hibs Development squad player/coach role
- Hibs star Lewis Stevenson targets Europe, cup finals and wins over Hearts, Rangers and Celtic
- Hibs boss Lee Johnson urges patience with Jair Tavares as he reveals interest goes back YEARS
- Hibs star Josh Doig £3million 'transfer target' for Serie A outfit Hellas Verona
