It is not everyday that you get to see a Rangers legend hail a Celtic star as a ‘genius’, but that is exactly what Ally McCoist has done. The Hoops started off their Premiership campaign with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen in front of an electric Parkhead crowd. Although, it must be said that they should have scored more goals on the day, and were wasteful with their chances, and inefficient with their decision-making in front of goal.
One player who did light up Parkhead on the day though is Jota, showing exactly why the club decided to shell out a transfer fee around £6.4 million to sign him from Benfica on a permanent basis this summer.
Jota scored an absolute thunderbolt of a goal from way outside the box to double Celtic’s lead over Aberdeen on the day. It also continued his incredible scoring record against the Dons.
McCoist seems to have been very impressed with what he has seen of Jota so far and even hailed him as a genius. As reported by the Daily Record, the Rangers legend told talkSPORT:
"“I was looking forward to watching Celtic yesterday, and I did, I enjoyed them, I must admit. Jota, you and I talk about him all the time, he’s a genius.”"
Rangers legend hails Celtic star as a ‘genius’
Jota has certainly made an impression ever since coming to Scotland. He was exceptional while on loan last season and now, with his future sorted and him becoming a Celtic player permanently, the fans will be hoping that he gets even better moving forward.
Jota was one of the most highly-rated players in the world while coming through the youth ranks at Benfica and at one point of time, he was even linked with a move to Real Madrid.
He struggled badly at the senior level though, at Benfica and then on loan in Spain at Real Valladolid as well, and Ange Postecoglou deserves a lot of credit for getting the best out of him.