Aaron Mooy was one of the stand-out Celtic performers against Hibernian today, producing an accomplished midfield display to help the Bhoys on the way to a 6-1 victory.
When manager Ange Postecoglou named a midfield three of Mooy, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in the starting eleven this afternoon, many would have expected the Australian to play the deepest of the trio.
However, he was actually deployed in a more advanced position and, by the end of the match, had proven himself to be the orchestrator of a fantastic all-round Celtic showing in a ‘number 8’ role.
The first half was all about Sead Haksbanovic’s work on the left flank with Alexandro Bernabei, but Mooy ran the show after the interval.
Although he clearly isn’t as sharp in tight spaces as Hatate or O’Riley, he is very self-aware and uses the attributes he does have very well. He manages to consistently find himself in a lot of space, setting up others with his passing, both long and short. He can dictate proceedings when he gets into a rhythm.
His sublime assist for Daizen Maeda late on was a fine reward for his all-around work at the heart of Celtic’s push and pull of Hibs. There’s every chance he now retains his place in the line-up, especially with Callum McGregor and David Turnbull on the sidelines.
It was undoubtedly his finest performance in a Celtic shirt to date and a promising sign that he has lots more to give in the green and white hoops this season after some pessimistic takes on his initial first two months at the club.
Negativity has seemed to follow him around from some quarters, even since the initial announcement of his signing, but today was a much-needed reminder that he can play a bit when given the opportunity.
Hopefully it’s just the start for him in Glasgow.
In other news, Class new partnership, Bhoy makes history; 3 things we learned as Celtic thrash Hibernian.
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