Ange Postecoglou reckons Jota’s growing maturity has been a large part of his improvement in a Celtic shirt and doesn’t think anyone should put a limit on his potential.
Jota signed for Celtic on an initial loan but eventually made his move from Benfica permanent in a £6.5m deal. [Sky Sports]
Although a sizable sum for the Bhoys, most would be in agreement that he has been worth every penny so far. The Portuguese winger is having a stellar season, contributing 13 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances to date. Big moments have come against Rangers and in the UEFA Champions League along the way.
The attacker was on the scoresheet against the Ibrox side again last week, latching on to a loose ball to expertly finish past Allan McGregor from an incredibly tight angle.
That prompted questions about him to Postecoglou in a media conference today and the manager was more than happy to offer an opinion on his progress.
Ange delighted with Jota progress
The Celtic boss said [Celtic FC]: “He’s been great. He obviously had a great season last year and we were fortunate then to be able to get him on permanently. He’s really embraced the football club. He’s embraced the way we play and he’s embraced his own journey in wanting to improve and continually develop as a footballer. I’ve certainly seen growth in him.
“The talent’s always been there. He’s just really getting a lot cleverer and smarter about how to use that and becoming a lot more disciplined in making sure that, without it curtailing his sort of creativity, that he works hard for the team. You saw that last week.
“That goal he scored was some great individual brilliance but it came from his willingness to work hard for the team in a defensive sense and that’s been great for all our attacking players to embrace that side of the game. They get rewards for it like he did in terms of goals and assists. They’re willing to do that side of the game and it doesn’t curtail the creativity they have and the individual brilliance they have. But he’s been one that’s really matured and it’s great to see. I think there’s more to come.”
Jota and Portugal
Jota’s inclusion on the fringes of the Portugal squad last year was then raised and Postecoglou was asked if he can one day make it into the senior set-up with his national team. For the Celtic boss, there’s no good reason why not, despite the talents Portugal boasts.
Postecoglou said: “Why not? Far be it for me to tell any player what their limit may or may not be but why not? The one thing about him since he’s got here – he’s always delivered in the big games. He scored in Europe last year, he scored in Europe this year, so it’s not like his talent diminishes at the higher level. I think he’s proven that.
“For us, his willingness to continue to improve and work hard is great because we’re getting the benefits of it. I think with all the players, I’m not going to tell them how far they can reach and where their potential may lie or take them. He plays for a country with some outstanding talent and outrageous talent but the fact that he’s on their radar shows that he’s definitely developing and in the discussions for them.”
We’re all looking forward to seeing just how good Jota can become.
In other news, Alistair Johnston credits the 2 teammates who have ‘shown him the ropes’ at Celtic.
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