Celtic presenter Paul John Dykes has been speaking about the Glasgow giants on the latest episode of the A Celtic State of Mind podcast following this weekend’s game.
Ange Postecoglou’s side were unable to make a dent in the six-point gap to the top of the Scottish Premiership table after their 1-1 draw against Dundee United.
Do you want Celtic to buy Jota permanently?
Yes
No
Despite the disappointing result, Dykes addressed the impressive display of the on-loan Jota, who has now played 270 minutes in the Scottish top flight (via Transfermarkt).
The Portuguese 22-year-old is on loan with the Parkhead side from Benfica for the season and the Bhoys hold the option to buy him on a permanent deal.
However, assessing the youngster’s performance on Sunday against United, Dykes admitted his concerns about the possibility of Jota not wanting to join on a permanent deal.
“I see a lot of David Ginola in Jota – the way he plays the game, the cultured manner in which he plays it, the mazy runs, the fact that he can do it five yards from his own touchline, five yards from the opposition’s touchline.
“He’s a special, special talent. But my biggest concern – Jota will be away back home first of January. Now, maybe not the first of January, but we’ve got an option to buy this player. And you’ve got to ask yourself, why would he want to come?”
TIF Thoughts on Jota’s start to life at Parkhead…
Since arriving in Glasgow, Jota has played every single minute of football under Postecoglou, which shows the level of trust and optimism surrounding the winger at this early stage (via Transfermarkt).
In his five appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old has one goal and two assists. He is yet to open his account in the league and going by Dykes’ glowing review, it seems it will be only a matter of time until he does.
The clear concern Dykes has regarding the winger is whether he would want to join the Parkhead side following their poor start to the campaign rather than whether he is actually good enough to wear the green and white jersey, but given it is still relatively early in the season, perhaps it is not worth worrying about too much just yet.
In other news: ‘Celtic fans would take to him’ – Presenter claims Celtic should move for 29 y/o free agent