Celtic star’s goal scoring prowess prompts major national team claim as former coach hails ‘special’ talent
The 24-year-old has notched 13 times in 21 appearances for Celtic and is now being tipped to become a superstar for his country
Camilo Duran has been backed to become the centrepiece of Colombia's national team, with the Celtic striker's former coach insisting his country should build its attack around the in-form forward.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Scottish football since arriving from Azerbaijani champions Qarabag in the summer, notching 13 goals in 21 appearances for the Hoops.
His performances have quickly attracted attention beyond Scotland, with Duran earning his first senior international call-up last month. The striker made his Colombia debut against Paraguay before also featuring against Peru, marking another major milestone in what has been a prolific period in his career.
He has now been included in the squad for two upcoming friendlies against Chile, providing another opportunity to strengthen his growing reputation on the international stage.
And one man who is particularly delighted to see Duran making his mark is Arnulfo Valentierra, the former Colombian international who coached the striker during his formative years at Independiente Medellín.
Valentierra has followed Duran's progress closely since his move to Parkhead and believes the Celtic frontman has all the attributes required to become a leading figure for his country.
“I have always thought Camilo could be something special from the moment I coached him as a kid,” Valentierra said. “He is a player who has that piece of flair. When he was just a youngster, he showed something different from the others. So I have obviously followed his career closely and I have watched his games in Scotland since he moved to Celtic.”
Duran’s former coach makes Copa America and World Cup claim
Duran's journey to the international stage has been an interesting one. His arrival at Celtic has proved an inspired move so far, with his goalscoring record demonstrating the attacking threat he can provide.
His development has been a significant positive for Martin O’Neill’s side, particularly given the importance of having a reliable goal scorer capable of delivering both in domestic and European competition.
However, it is clear that his former coach believes there is an even bigger future waiting for him with Colombia.
Valentierra added: It fills me with pride watching him, not because I coached him, but because he's a player who was eager to play and show his footballing talent, something he's shown since he was young.
“I believe he is the future of Colombian football and he should be first pick in our team. For me, he is the best striker we have. I know we have the players to win a Copa America or reach the World Cup and Camilo is at the centre of that.”
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