Jota delivers exciting promise to the Celtic support about the near-future

By Euan Davidson

November 23, 2021

It would seem churlish – ungrateful even – to ask more of Celtic star winger Jota this season.

Already, he’s scored 6 and set up 6 in 15 games. That’s a ridiculous 12 goal involvements all told [Transfermarkt]. It could be even more, too; he averages nearly 2 key passes and 3 shots per game [WhoScored?].

Combining an excellent attitude with undoubted, sometimes outrageous technique, Jota has been a cast-iron fan-favourite in the Hoops. But the Portuguese loanee insists there’s more to come from him.

Much more, in fact.

Jota told the Herald:

“To play for Celtic you must be hungry. That’s what we are looking for. We want to win every game, every competition, game by game. We will stick to our process, which is what we are doing.

“I am definitely very happy with how things are going in this first stage of the season. Now I want to keep on going and do the best that I can and learn as much as I can.

“Is there more to come from me? Yes, for sure. I don’t want to stop here. My aim and my goals are very high. I want to work a lot to help the team and to achieve my objectives.”

If there’s more to come from Jota at Celtic, then we have reason to be excited

Given that he’s assisting and scoring goals at a fierce rate, the idea of Jota doing more for Celtic is a pretty exciting prospect. His attitude and work rate make it obvious as to what Ange Postecoglou saw in him.

Because while he was clearly a bright talent at youth international level, he hadn’t done enough to convince Benfica he should start games. As such, Celtic have an option to buy him; something the Lisbon side must be regretting now.

You get the feeling Jota could absolutely perform at a higher level. Provided we make the Champions League next season, the winger is the kind of player who looks like he can make a difference on the bigger stages. Against St Johnstone, his first time at the national stadium, he was fearless.

His goals and aims are high. That chimes entirely with what Postecoglou is trying to bring to Celtic.

Success, playing aggressive, attractive football. Sending the fans home happy, having been thoroughly entertained. Those the goals. Having an ever-improving Jota is going to be absolutely key to achieving them.

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