This season, Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston has been one of the most improved players in the side under Ange Postecoglou.
At the beginning of the summer, not many fans could see where the 22-year old’s Hoops career was headed. But over the last few months, he has shown significant improvements in his game and become a key figure in the side.
On Sunday against Dundee, he showed exactly why he deserved a new long-term deal, putting in another superb display and playing his part in three of the four goals.
Speaking after the 4-2 victory, though, the Celtic defender was full of praise for Hoops duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, as they continue to shine in the side, with Ralston insisting they make his job as a full-back ‘easier’.
As quoted by Glasgow Live, in reference to last week’s Halloween prank, which saw Kyogo scare his teammates, Ralston said:
“Kyogo certainly got me good. He has got his translator, but his English is coming on well, and he gets on great with the boys.
“He’s around us every day in training. We all make an effort, too, because of the language barrier.
“But his football does most of the talking anyway. He’s been great, and I’m delighted for him again today. The movement of the boys up top is brilliant.
“For Kyogo for his first one, you always know he’s going to be in those dangerous areas, and it’s just a case of me putting it in the right place for him.
“Then Jota in at the back post for the next one. So, yes, the boys are brilliant with their movement, and they are all coming together well up there.
“They are getting a bit of consistency together, and that’s important — their confidence is very high. The away game against Ferencvaros and then today, their performances have been great.
“Kyogo and Jota are right up with the best. You have seen for yourself what Kyogo’s been like since he came; he’s been top. It’s the same with Jota too.
“It’s the professionalism they show, and it’s the same for Liel Abada too. They are cracking boys.
“Those who came on later in the game, too, all carry their own threat. As a defensive unit, it makes our job easier knowing we’ve got that quality up top. So I’m happy for them all.”
With the improvements of Ralston, added in with the summer signings of Kyogo and Jota, it really feels like Ange Postecoglou is building something good around the club.
We are seeing that on the field, with the football that is being played at the moment. But also off the field – this squad of players appear to be building a bond, which is evident after recent player interviews.
Long may it continue as we prepare to go into another busy schedule of fixtures over the winter period after this international break.
