JOTA ON KYOGO: ‘HE’S ONE OF THE BEST’

FILIPE JOTA has praised his new Celtic team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi and claims he is “one of the best”.

The exciting Hoops double-act combined on Tuesday with devastating understanding when the on-loan Benfica winger struck an impeccable long-range ball into the tracks of the Japanese international striker who finished the sweeping move with an unerring finish beyond the helpless Ferencvaros keeper.

That opened the way for a crucial 2-0 victory and three vital points in the quest for qualification from Europa League Group G after a false start against Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen.

CRASH…Kyogo Furuhashi makes no mistake as he lashes in the opener against Ferencvaros.

CHEERS…Kyogo Furuhashi and Filipe Jota celebrate after combining for the breakthrough goal.

The switch of play from defence to attack against the Hungarians between the summer arrivals bordered on the telepathic in its simplicity and execution.

Now Jota wants to communicate with his colleague off the pitch, too.

The Portuguese ace, speaking to the Daily Record about his frontline partner, said: “Well, unfortunately, Kyogo doesn’t speak English, so it’s been quite difficult.
“Actually it’s funny because I said to Kyogo if he didn’t learn English then it’s no worries because I will try to learn some Japanese so we can talk.

“I’ll definitely go to learn some Japanese to speak with him, but the most important thing is inside the pitch we are starting to get to know each other.

“Game after game we are going to get better. I’m starting to get to know Kyogo and his movements are unbelievable.

“He really can move, he’s one of the best players I’ve seen doing movements. I saw his move and I wanted to do the pass. It was good because he scored, he did a really good reception.”

The entertaining duo hope to dovetail to another Premiership success when St Johnstone visit the east end of Glasgow on Saturday while they are also eyeing the trip to Budapest in a fortnight’s time as the Euro bid continues.