Former Celtic star Kris Commons has admitted that he has been so impressed with Aaron Mooy’s performances that he is now part of the Hoops strongest XI.
The Australian international has been in fine form since returning from the World Cup in Qatar and has bagged six goals in his last nine appearances which has added an extra dimension to Ange Postecoglou’s team.
There was many who doubted Mooy’s ability when he first joined the club on a free transfer last summer but he has been terrific in recent months which has silenced all of his critics.
He was a player that Postecoglou knew very well and had a lot of trust in which is now being repaid on the park as he shows his class.
Matt O’Riley would have previously been considered the other piece of the jigsaw alongside captain Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate but Mooy has brought himself right into the conversation after his performances which Commons believes could be down to his knowledge of the game and relationship with the gaffer.
“Mooy has come back from the tournament in Qatar like a player reborn,” said Commons writing in his column in the [Daily Mail].
“He’s been a midfield maestro for Postecoglou’s side over recent weeks. Masterful with his use of the ball, he’s also capable of magical little touches like the lovely dinked finish against St Johnstone in Perth yesterday.
“He’s now got six goals in his last nine games in a run which stretches back to late December. Mooy’s class is shining through after a slow start in Glasgow. Let’s not forget, this was a player who was excelling in the English Premier League only a few years ago.
5th February 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Aaron Mooy of Celtic celebrates after Andrew Considine of St Johnstone makes it 1-0 to Celtic in the 14th minute putting the ball into his own net
“Mooy is 32 years old now, but he’s clearly still got a lot to offer at the highest level. You can’t underestimate just how big Postecoglou’s influence has been. He knows him inside out from their days together with the Australian national team. He’s now getting the very best out of him.
“Only a few months ago, I think most Celtic fans would have agreed that the club’s strongest midfield trio in the manager’s 4-3-3 system would have been McGregor, Hatate and O’Riley. Now, I’m not so sure. On current form, I think Mooy would have to be in the strongest starting XI. I think the best midfield three right now is McGregor, Hatate and Mooy.
“It just shows you that people shouldn’t be so quick to write players off, even if they have a slow start to life in Glasgow. Some people take time to get up to speed. Postecoglou deserves a lot of credit for the way in which he has helped Mooy get back up to full speed. It’s another case of his man-management and recruitment skills being top notch. Mooy was highly influential once again in Perth yesterday as Celtic continued their outstanding run of form.”
“Celtic are relentless at the moment. For all that Rangers have improved recently under Michael Beale, it’s hard to see Celtic dropping points any time soon.
“Mooy has been key to that run of form over the past couple of months. Tom Rogic used to be known as the ‘Magic Man’ at Parkhead. We’re now seeing another Aussie midfielder who looks like he would be worthy of that particular title.”
Commons was once a popular player amongst the Celtic support but ever since moving into the media, damaged his reputation.
However, many will be in agreement about the form of Mooy who is continuing to get better in green and white hoops.
