The “Best player in Scotland” debate has been a feature of the early weeks of the season, one primarily led by Sky Sports.
It kicked off when former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan dubbed Jota the league’s finest before being quickly rebuked by ex-Rangers talking head Kris Boyd, who argued that Alfredo Morelos is Scotland’s premier star. James McFadden weighed into the discussion following Celtic’s 5-0 win over Kilmarnock, agreeing with Allan on the Portugease star’s excellence.
Jota has started the season brilliantly for Celtic, scoring beauties in two of the champions’ three games so far, and providing a hat-trick of assists in the other.
Whilst Kris Boyd’s chosen candidate ended a ten minute cameo at Easter Road with a red card for violent conduct in Rangers 2-2 draw against Hibs today, Celtic’s stars have gone about their business so far with ruthless efficiency.
Morelos has undoubtedly been a good player for Rangers overall, but his indiscipline has cost them so many times that it’s pretty farcical to dub such an obvious liability the league’s best, particularly when he’s had such a lengthy injury lay-off to boot.
Whilst Postecoglou would surely rebuke the discussion as his focus is firmly on the collective, both in how he praises and criticises his team, and how his team plays, there’s a very obvious candidate for the best player in the league that has been neglected from the discussion.
Allan and McFadden have been correct to dub Jota as the best player in the league so far – his performances in every game have been remarkable – but it’s difficult to look beyond Kyogo as the player who will make the most telling contributions over the course of a season.
It can be difficult to quantify a footballer’s contribution in the first two thirds of the pitch, goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders will never receive the adulation that greets star strikers, Kyogo’s hype is wholly merited and absolutely deserved.
The 27 year old typifies Postecoglou’s approach, always moving, never static – but with intelligent, precise runs, rather than aimless, wasted ambles. His ability to drop in to pull defenders out of position helps the team break down the various low-blocks they encounter domestically too, with his technique allowing him to score all manner of goals, from his chested opener at Pittodrie last season to his beautifully cushioned volley against Motherwell on trophy day.
He is no shrinking violet, either – contrary to his size and build, Kyogo isn’t one to shirk challenges, he’s as full-blooded and committed as any player in the league, owing to his ceaseless application.
Giorgios Giakoumakis is a cult hero and fan favourite for good reason, but Kyogo is a player moulded for a Postecoglou side, and will start the vast majority of games through the middle when available – certainly the games in which Celtic are faced with a team who will push up and leave gaps for him to exploit.
Jota will surely be in the running, but don’t be surprised if he has to share some of the Player of the Year honours in April with his Japanese compatriot.
In other news: Big chance for Celtic after rivals blow it at Easter Road
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
