Celtic’s best player by a country mile last night, in my opinion, was Jozo Simunovic.
The player shut down most things that came his way and was ever present throughout the game.
It can be very disruptive for a defender to lose his centre back partner very early on in a match, and even more disruptive when a central midfielder pops up beside you as his replacement – this was not a problem for Jozo.
In-fact, Jozo’s calming influence transferred to Nir Bitton who put in a productive shift in the unfamiliar position.
Since the towering defender’s transfer to Italy collapsed on deadline day last year, he has gone from strength to strength in a Celtic jersey, so much so when Scott Brown was to pass the armband to someone in the foreseeable future, it would have to go to Jozo!
Yes, I know, everybody will be screaming Kieran Tierney is next in line for that particular honour, but if the Croatian is still here, then he should take that mantle with a view to giving it to KT further down the line.
His presence in the side is unquestionable. Celtic are yet to concede a goal in four European games this season, and the player is a big reason why.
To think he was so close to Celtic Park exit door this time last year is unfathomable now. Going forward, he is our best defender, and it’s Boyata, Ajer and Sviatchenko fighting it out for the other place in defence.
Should Jozo be Celtic’s next captain? Have your say below!
