I have to confess, I wasn’t very impressed with the signing of Aaron Mooy. A former St Mirren player seemed like someone the gaffer knew and someone he could rely on as a squad player. In his first start for us we lost our only league game so far in 2022. In that game I commented that he shouldn’t be near a start for us, he slowed the game down too much, wanted far too long on the ball and just didn’t have the quality to be in our team. Instead I argued he should be used as a closer, to see out that last 10-15 minutes when the game is already won.
With the injury and suspension of our captain Callum McGregor, Mooy was given another chance, in a more advance role. He has since excelled for us domestically. Being one of our most consistent players, holding together the midfield and allowing Matt O’Riley to be our conductor through the midfield.
Today at the World Cup, Mooy showed another side to his game. Playing in the screening role, he was excellent. Playing with his heart on his sleeve, he consistently cancelled out any danger that Tunisia possessed. Mooy was everywhere in the Australian midfield, ensuring that they held out when in the last 15 Tunisia finally decided to attack.
Another Celtic player showing the quality we have at our club and on the grandest stage of them all.