The recent re-signing of Portuguese winger Jota by Celtic has sparked discussions about its potential impact on the team’s attacking lineup, particularly concerning striker Adam Idah’s role. While some speculate that Jota’s return could lead to Idah being dropped from the starting XI, recent performances and managerial insights suggest a more nuanced scenario.
Jota’s Triumphant Return
Jota marked his return to Celtic with a memorable performance, scoring in stoppage time to secure a 3-1 victory over Motherwell. His emotional celebration underscored his connection with the club and its supporters. 
Adam Idah’s Recent Form
Concurrently, Adam Idah has demonstrated impressive form, contributing significantly to Celtic’s attacking prowess. In the same match against Motherwell, Idah continued his goal-scoring streak, highlighting his value to the team. 
Managerial Perspective
Manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed confidence in both players. He praised Jota’s abilities, stating, “He has tricks,” and acknowledged Idah’s contributions, noting that he was “a real handful” in recent fixtures.  
Tactical Flexibility
Rodgers’ comments suggest a strategy that leverages the strengths of both Jota and Idah. Rather than viewing Jota’s return as a direct threat to Idah’s position, it appears the manager envisions a complementary dynamic, utilizing both players to enhance Celtic’s attacking options.
Conclusion
While Jota’s return adds depth to Celtic’s squad, Adam Idah’s recent performances and the manager’s supportive remarks indicate that he remains a valuable asset. The team’s tactical approach is likely to incorporate both players, aiming to maximize their combined impact on the field.
Jota’s return to Celtic has created both excitement and debate among fans, especially concerning its potential impact on Adam Idah’s role in the team. While some supporters speculate that Idah could lose his starting spot to accommodate Jota, recent performances and Brendan Rodgers’ comments suggest a different narrative. The real question is: Can Jota and Idah coexist in the same lineup, or will one inevitably make way for the other?
Jota’s Return: A Game-Changer for Celtic
Jota’s homecoming was nothing short of dramatic. The Portuguese winger, who became a fan favorite during his previous spell at Celtic, marked his return in style by scoring a stoppage-time goal against Motherwell. His emotional reaction—breaking down in tears after the final whistle—only reinforced his deep connection to the club.
His ability to create chances, dribble past defenders, and contribute crucial goals makes him an invaluable asset to Brendan Rodgers’ squad. However, with Celtic already boasting a strong attacking lineup, Jota’s reintegration raises tactical questions.
Adam Idah’s Form: Too Good to Ignore?
On the other hand, Adam Idah has been in red-hot form since joining Celtic on loan from Norwich City. The Irish striker has proven his worth with key goals, strong hold-up play, and an ability to link up with teammates effectively. His recent performances suggest that dropping him from the starting XI would be a harsh decision.
Rodgers himself praised Idah’s impact after the Motherwell game, describing him as “a real handful” for defenders. His physical presence and goal-scoring instincts provide a different kind of attacking threat compared to Jota’s flair and creativity.
The Tactical Dilemma: Can Jota and Idah Play Together?
The biggest challenge for Rodgers is finding a way to utilize both Jota and Idah without compromising the team’s balance.
• Formation Changes: One possible solution is tweaking Celtic’s formation. If Rodgers sticks with a 4-3-3 setup, Jota could slot in as a left winger while Idah plays as the central striker, with Kyogo Furuhashi also in contention. However, this could force other attacking players, like Daizen Maeda or Liel Abada, to settle for a reduced role.
• Squad Rotation: Another approach could be squad rotation, where Rodgers selects his lineup based on the opposition. In games requiring more physical presence up front, Idah might start, while Jota could be deployed in matches demanding more creativity from wide areas.
• Impact Substitutions: Celtic’s packed fixture schedule means both players will have opportunities to make an impact. Idah’s strength and finishing ability could make him an ideal substitute to come on and change the game in the latter stages.
Brendan Rodgers’ Perspective
Rodgers has made it clear that he values both players and sees them as important pieces of his attacking puzzle. His comments after Jota’s return suggest that the Portuguese winger will play a significant role, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Idah will be sidelined.
Rodgers highlighted Jota’s technical ability, saying, “He has tricks, he’s got movement, and he knows how to score goals.” But he also acknowledged Idah’s growing influence, calling him a “real handful” in the box.
This suggests that rather than choosing one over the other, Rodgers may look for ways to get the best out of both players depending on the situation.
What This Means for Idah’s Future at Celtic
Idah is currently on loan from Norwich City, and his performances at Celtic could determine whether the club pursues a permanent deal in the summer. If he continues to impress, Celtic may consider keeping him, regardless of Jota’s presence.
However, if his playing time decreases significantly, it could impact his confidence and long-term prospects at the club. It will be crucial for Idah to seize every opportunity he gets, whether as a starter or off the bench.
Conclusion: A Healthy Competition
While speculation about Idah being dropped in favor of Jota is understandable, it’s unlikely to be a straightforward decision. Rodgers values both players and will likely find ways to incorporate them into his plans.
Rather than seeing Jota’s return as a threat to Idah, Celtic fans should view it as an opportunity for the team to have even greater attacking depth. Having multiple high-quality options is a problem most managers would love to have.
For now, both Jota and Idah will have to prove they deserve a place in the starting XI, and that kind of competition can only make Celtic stronger as they push for domestic and European success.
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