English Premier League and Australia legend Mark Schwarzer reckons Aaron Mooy has benefited from a move to Celtic and believes he can be a player who unlocks defences at the World Cup.
The Aussies are in a group that also includes France, Denmark and Tunisia in Qatar, with Mooy expected to be a key part of Graham Arnold’s plans after regular football at the Bhoys.
Schwarzer, who played 109 times for his country, has high hopes for Mooy given his committed summer performances in crucial playoffs, despite then not getting the regular football he has been getting recently under Ange Postecoglou.
Speaking to FIFA.com, the former goalkeeper said: “He’s very creative, very technical, and he likes to get on the ball all the time.
“The move to Celtic from China has been good for him. He’d had a long period where he played no football back in China due to COVID regulations.
“During his time there, he played for the Socceroos in World Cup play-off matches against UAE and Peru, and he was exceptional. To perform at that level with no club football behind him showed his fitness, dedication and professionalism. He is great at set plays – as is Ajdin Hrustic. They are two players who can unlock defences and are very technical.”
Mooy definitely hasn’t had it easy at Celtic. In fact, performances in his first weeks in a Bhoys shirt drew lots of criticism from supporters and pundits.
However, after a run of positive domestic results, Mooy has come into his own in a more advanced midfield role, helping the central trio kick on even in the absence of captain Callum McGregor.
He definitely has deficiencies in his game but at Scottish Premiership level the positives outweigh the negatives and recent signs point to him playing an important role in the second half of the season.
If the 32-year-old can have a strong World Cup, the chances of that will undoubtedly be improved. I’m eager to see how he fits into the Australian campaign.
In other news, Celtic’s FIFA windfall explained.
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