Ange Postecoglou believes that Jota is going to get even better in a Celtic shirt after his impressive early showings since arriving on loan.
The winger arrived from Benfica for the season at the end of the transfer window and hasn’t wasted any time in making his presence felt.
He’s scored twice and assisted two more in seven appearances, with his skilful overall play certainly enhancing the Celtic attack.
Ange is obviously delighted, especially as he reckons the 22-year-old was thrown into a tough situation.
Now, the Portuguese talent is set to improve further.
Postecoglou told The Scottish Daily Mail [04/10 print edition, Verdict supplement page 3]: “So far he has done well when we have kind of thrown him in. He is playing every game and he probably wasn’t ready. I don’t think he has played many games in his whole career.
“But he has shown great promise and is getting to understand our game a wee bit better. We knew Kyogo is always a threat but we need multiple threats in front of goal to manage to find ways to score.
“For Jota to get his first one in the league — particularly away from home — will be positive for him. But, again, he is just starting his Celtic career, so hopefully there is more to come.”
It certainly sounds like the manager is planning for the long-term with Jota, which brings to the fore his transfer situation.
Celtic have an option to buy the player at the end of his loan. There’s a long way to go for Jota but the club should already be putting plans in place to go all-in and commit to the player’s future.
We don’t want to let this one drag on and become a problem down the line. If and when he produces consistently we have to be in place to pull the trigger on the clause.
Jota spoke excitedly about his performance yesterday and experience with the Celtic support, so we know he’s enjoying his time in Scotland.
It’s looking likely he can be a big success here.
In other news, £2m windfall in play for Celtic.
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