Celtic’s Australian star Tom Rogic has drawn comparisons to arguably the greatest player of all-time after scoring a goal of the season contender that had shades of Lionel Messi overnight.
Rogic, who has had a torrid battle with injuries over the last three years, looked to be back to peak physical fitness with an astounding display of strength, speed and technique as he slalomed his way past four defenders before tucking the ball neatly past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner to put Celtic up 1-0 in the 19th minute of their Scottish Premier League clash with Dundee United.
The goal set Ange Postecoglou’s side on their way to a 3-0 win, making it four league wins in a row to keep the pressure on league leaders and fierce rivals Rangers, who currently sit four points clear.
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“Oh, that is quite superb,” said the Sky Sports commentator calling the match when Rogic netted.
“Tom Rogic with an absolute stunner to set the tone for Ange and Celtic.”
“There’s absolutely nothing on here,” added the co-commentator.
“He creates this himself. It’s a goal of the season contender. He drifts past players, his feet are so quick. He finds himself half a yard and he’s still able to control his end product.”
As Rogic celebrated, the broadcast cut to his beaming manager Postecoglou on the sideline, with the midfielder’s former Socceroos boss applauding and punching the air.
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“Brilliant,” Postecoglou said of Rogic’s 27th goal for Celtic after the match.
“… he’s one of these special footballers. When the ball goes to him, I think everyone just stops to see what he’s going to do because if you’re looking down at your phone or taking a drink, you want to stop everything you’re doing.
“And it’s not just his technique. He’s a strong player, hard to knock off the ball.
“But I’ve always enjoyed coaching Tommy. I had him for a number of years with the national team and, even as a manager, I get excited when he’s out there playing his football.
“Tommy is one of those guys I take great pride in working with and seeing him develop.”
The goal sparked a stream of plaudits and memes on social media, with one Photoshopped image of Messi wearing Tom Rogic pyjamas and a big smile catching the attention of fans.
It also caught the eye of former England international Trevor Sinclair, who described it as a “brilliant mazy run and finish”.
https://twitter.com/trevor8sinclair/status/1467469197651415041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/Buntingfootball/status/1467469575839444995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/Liam_O_Hare/status/1467469664884305921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/DominikDiamond/status/1467480223604035587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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