It would be accurate to say Aaron Mooy has had some difficulties since moving to Celtic in the summer. He certainly hasn’t been a smash-hit signing from the off.
Yet, through some pretty fierce criticism, he’s definitely warming up to the task of fitting into Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys side.
That wasn’t just apparent in today’s win over Livingston but, for me, has actually been the case across his last four starts for the club, all of which have resulted in victories – three of them with big goal margins.
Mooy has been one of the relied-upon players in the absence of Callum McGregor to injury. Postecoglou has utilised him in an advanced midfield position with Matt O’Riley occupying the ‘number 6’ role.
Today in West Lothian he was instrumental in enacting a gameplan that ensured Celtic forced possession into the central areas, making Livingston defend in a much more uncomfortable way compared to mopping up dozens of crosses, which they can be adept at.
Drifting between flanks, Mooy was part of effective rotations with Reo Hatate and Greg Taylor on the left, while offering an inside option to James Forrest and Anthony Ralston on the right. Yes, it’s clear he isn’t blessed with tremendous pace but he gets around the pitch effectively and has quality positional sense.
Keeping that discipline in possession was critical to success. It allowed the Bhoys to play the game on their terms, rather than get dragged into a chaotic and physical battle up against David Martindale’s combative outfit. It also ensured Livi were pushed and pulled to the extent that spaces and opportunities did open up.
Beyond that he also offered decent individual threat moving forward without truly breaking out the kind of creativity that resulted in three assists from his previous two league appearances.
Aaron Mooy is already showing value at Celtic
I don’t think Mooy is ever going to be an electric, maverick performer for Celtic but, truthfully, that wasn’t what he was signed for. Postecoglou was looking for a trusted presence he can be confident will buy into his style of play, keeping teammates calm and composed throughout matches. It’s the Nir Bitton-style role that became so valued last year.
He’s a fine squad option and, particularly during this period of McGregor’s absence, has shown exactly why he was worth handing out a contract to. Some of the criticism prior to this run in the team was harsh, especially in the context of not having a pre-season and his fitness lacking.
Yes, there are valid question marks about his suitability to step up against elite European teams but if we’re all honest with ourselves that could be said of most of the squad.
A World Cup campaign with Australia could further re-energise his career and anyone betting against him being an important performer for Celtic in the second half of the season would be brave, even if they have to re-evaluate their initial impressions of him.
In other news, Matt O’Riley shares apt nickname for Greg Taylor as Bhoys take to Instagram after Celtic win.
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