Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic has been marked with renewed optimism, and rightly so. A proven winner, Rodgers is expected to guide the Hoops to further glory.
Among several exciting prospects, the manager’s potential influence on the club’s attacking prowess, particularly concerning winger Jota, is especially intriguing.
In his first spell at Celtic, Rodgers was known for his emphasis on entertaining, attacking football, with wingers playing pivotal roles. His wingers were not just wide men, but potent threats on goal, chipping in with key contributions both as goal scorers and creators.
Jota, in his first season at Celtic, epitomised this style. Deployed predominantly on the left, the Portuguese winger was a delight to watch, blending skill, flair, and productivity. His ability to take on and beat defenders, coupled with his propensity for the spectacular, had fans on the edge of their seats.
Though Jota’s goal contribution improved in his second season – notching up 15 goals and 12 assists, compared to 13 goals and 14 assists in his first – he was often deployed on the right to accommodate Daizen Maeda on the left.
Despite his impressive numbers, Jota seemed less comfortable on the right. His trademark skills and tricks appeared less frequent, and the natural flair we’d seen in his first season was somewhat subdued.
Although, he did chip in with some key goals this season.
Now, it’s worth drawing a comparison to Scott Sinclair, another wide-man who thrived under Rodgers. Like Jota, Sinclair was an entertainer, a player whose every touch buzzed with the promise of something special.
He was not only a goal threat but also a creative force. The parallels between the two are undeniable. With Jota potentially returning to his favoured left side under Rodgers, we might see a performance level akin to, if not surpassing, that of Sinclair’s best days.
However, Rodgers’ arrival might not bode well for everyone. The future of Daizen Maeda under the new regime is uncertain. Maeda, a relentless runner and a perfect fit for Ange Postecoglou’s high-pressing ‘AngeBall’, may not align with Rodgers’ requirements. Rodgers appreciates wingers with notable technical and footballing qualities – traits that Jota boasts in abundance but ones that Maeda might be lacking.
Rodgers’ return paints a promising picture for Jota. A shift back to his natural position on the left could rejuvenate the dazzling performances of his first season and potentially elevate his game to new heights.
However, the same cannot be confidently said for Maeda, whose role in the squad is now uncertain. As with any change in leadership, the imminent shake-up will yield winners and, unfortunately, some losers.
For Celtic fans, though, the hope is that under Rodgers’ stewardship, their team will firmly belong to the former category.
