Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has talked up former Montreal teammate and new Hoops signing Alistair Johnston’s leadership qualities.
The 24-year-old became Ange Postecoglou’s second signing of the winter window, joining from MLS side Montreal Impact.
Celtic supporters were given a small glimpse into what they could expect from Johnston during his performances at the World Cup with Canada.
However, out in Qatar, Johnston was playing a more unnatural role as a right central defender in the back three for John Herdman’s side.
One man who knows exactly what Celtic’s newest signing will bring to the table, as well as the demands that come at Parkhead, is former Hoops man Victor Wanyama.
The Kenyan international turned out for the Bhoys between 2011-2013 and played alongside Johnston during his time at Montreal.
Speaking in a recent interview, Wanyama revealed what he told the full-back about a move to Celtic and also revealed a little bit about what we should expect from him.
He said [The Athletic]: “I told him about how big a club Celtic is and how amazing the fans are. I told him that the fans are demanding, but they will always have your back.”
“He is very professional and well-educated. He loves reading books and engaging in conversation. I see him as a future leader.”
“He can run for days. He was always up and down the right demanding the ball from me, so that’s how I recognise him — energy.”
One of Johnson’s former coaches at college side Wake Forest, Bobby Muuss, also talked up the defender’s qualities after his move to Glasgow.
Along the same lines as Wanyama, Muuss was quick to discuss the Canadian’s abilities as a leader in the side, which should be a valuable asset to Ange Postecoglou.
He said: “He’s hard. He’s fearless. He’s confident. He’s all about winning, a competitor. But also he’s very coachable. He’s a future coach because he’s always trying to learn and always trying to adapt.
“His leadership on the field — not only with his actions but vocally too — show he will lead once he understands the tactical system. He’s a man of substance, not flair. He doesn’t do anything because the cameras are on him. He does it for what he feels the team needs to be successful.
“The tactical knowledge is there along with that tenacity, a little bit of nastiness, which is important, especially as a defender.”
Alistair Johnston’s leadership skills will see him slot perfectly into Celtic Park dressing room.
To play amongst Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic squad, it is essential that the 57-year-old sees you as the fitting character to settle into the dressing room.
And Johnston appears to fit that criteria perfectly.
Celtic supporters were given more of an insight into the defender earlier this week when he was talking to mainstream and fan media.
Old players and coaches such as Wanyama and Muuss have given some valuable insight into the qualities we should expect from the Canadian international, and they are certainly positive.
It is great to hear both men speak so highly of the right-back’s leadership qualities, and it appears he will be a natural leader on the pitch.
With the likes of Callum McGregor and Joe Hart already amongst the squad, it certainly won’t hurt Ange Postecoglou to add more leadership figures to the starting 11.
Who knows, maybe one day, Johnston’s natural progression will be to become one of the captaincy options at Parkhead.
For now, I am sure he is focusing on settling in first and getting his Celtic career underway next month. But it is certainly exciting to hear such positive things said about the January recruit.
In other news, Celtic player confirms exit plans as he delivers honest verdict on academy rise.
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