Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou delivers emphatic Aaron Mooy verdict

By Giuseppe Labellarte

February 7, 2023

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has raved about the “unbelievable” Aaron Mooy.

The 32-year-old has been one of the Hoops’ standout players in their rampant Premiership title charge.

Mooy joined Celtic last summer on a free transfer after leaving Chinese outfit Shanghai Port. The Australian took some time to find his feet at Parkhead amid a low-key start to life at the club.

In September, Mooy was taken off at half time as Ange Postecoglou’s charges lost 2-0 at St Mirren. However, his form improved massively following his involvement at the 2022 World Cup with the Socceroos.

Mooy was restored to the Celtic line-up in place of Matt O’Riley in Saturday’s trip to St Johnstone. He delivered an outstanding display, scoring and pulling the strings for his side in the 4-1 win at McDiarmid Park.

Mooy weighed in with a perfect lob over Saints goalkeeper Remi Matthews for his sixth goal in nine games. The midfielder also played a part in Celtic’s first two goals. And Postecoglou believes there’s a lot more to come from the veteran midfielder.

“He is just a quality footballer,” BBC Sport quotes the Hoops boss as saying. “I know what is in there and there is a lot more to come. His influence is growing.”

“On that pitch at St Johnstone, where even good players were struggling, every time he got the ball he was so sure-footed and he kept the ball.

“His balance is unbelievable. He is really strong in terms of his core strength and on days like Sunday you give him the ball and not only will he keep it, he will take the right option.”

Better late than never

Mooy has proven to be an outstanding acquisition for Celtic. Not only is he becoming prolific in front of goal, but he also weighs in with so many contributions for his teammates.

Mooy has the second-highest number of assists among the Scottish Premiership’s central midfielders, with six. He has also created 26 chances in total for his teammates.

Postecoglou could’ve potentially signed Mooy a year earlier, with the manager reportedly wanting him in 2021, but better late than never. It’s a relationship paying off heavily for the Bhoys.

In other news, Celtic icon Scott Brown pulls off another FA Cup stunner; fairytale run continues.