Celtic were left disappointed on Sunday when their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table was cut down to 13 points by their rivals at Parkhead.
The Hoops came from 2-0 down to draw the game level at 2-2 in front of their home fans, hoping to then push on for a winner to send them 19 points clear of Rangers.
Unfortunately, however, Morocco international Hamza Igamane hammered in a thunderous volley into the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal in the 88th minute to secure all three points for the away team.
It was a bad day at the office for the Hoops, who are still on course to win the Premiership title with ease, as several of their key players failed to step up and perform.
For example, Nicolas Kuhn was substituted at half-time after he failed with three of his four dribble attempts in the first half, and did not contribute to any goals.
Jota, who returned to Parkhead after an 18-month absence in the January transfer window, did do his best to make a difference at the top end of the pitch, though.
Jota's form since returning to Celtic
The Portuguese forward was shifted out on to the right flank for the second half against Rangers, after playing on the left in the opening 45, and made an almost instant impact by beating Ridvan Yilmaz down the line and delivering a brilliant cross for Daizen Maeda to score.
Jota managed one goal and one assist in ten matches for Rennes during the first half of the season before his return to Parkhead, which meant that the Hoops were signing a player in poor form and struggling with confidence in front of goal.
As you can see in the graphic above, the winger was full of confidence in the final third during his first spell in Glasgow, and he has tapped into that once again to thrive on the pitch for Brendan Rodgers this year.
The assist for Maeda’s goal against Rangers on Sunday was his fifth goal contribution in seven appearances in the Premiership in 2025, with three goals and two assists to his name.
Appearances (starts)
7 (four)
Goals
3
Conversion rate
27%
Big chances created
3
Assists
2
Successful dribbles
1.1
As you can see in the table above, Jota has been incredibly productive, despite only starting four times, with three goals and three ‘big chances’ created.
Market Movers
Despite his impressive form on the pitch for the Scottish giants this season, the former Benfica starlet is only the seventh-most valuable player in the Celtic squad, as per Transfermarkt, with a value of £7.6m.
Where Jota ranks among Celtic's most valuable players
The Hoops have built a valuable squad that has six other players who are currently worth even more than the Portuguese sensation, who was bought for £25m by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad just 18 months ago.
One of those players is Maeda, who scored from Jota’s assist, as the Japan international has been in phenomenal form for the Hoops so far this term.
The Japanese marksman has racked up 28 goals and nine assists in all competitions for Celtic, whilst operating on the flank or through the middle as a striker, and he is currently the fourth-most valuable player at the club.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
£11.6m
Arne Engels
£10.1m
Nicolas Kuhn
£10.1m
Daizen Maeda
£9.3m
Reo Hatate
£9.2m
Alistair Johnston
£8.4m
Jota
£7.6m
Auston Trusty
£6.3m
Greg Taylor
£5.5m
Callum McGregor
£5.5m
As you can see in the table above, Nicolas Kuhn, Arne Engels, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are the three most valuable stars at Parkhead at this moment in time.
Celtic signed Engels from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg last summer and have already hit the jackpot with the Belgian star, who has hit the ground running in Glasgow this season.
Why Celtic have hit the jackpot with Arne Engels
Firstly, his market value has soared during his short time at Parkhead to date. Transfermarkt valued the central midfielder at €9m (£7.5m) at the time of his move from Germany last year.
He is now worth £10.1m, as per Transfemarkt, and this suggests that the Hoops have landed a young talent, at the age of 21, who is improving week-in-week-out and now worth even more than both Jota and Maeda.
Celtic have also struck gold with Engels because of his performances on the pitch for the Hoops this season. He has not taken much time to adapt to life in Scotland, as the youngster has emerged as a star performer in the middle of the park.
Engels, despite his age and inexperience, has been relied upon by Rodgers as the go-to penalty taker, scoring eight of his nine spot-kicks for Celtic this term.
The Belgium international has outscored Jota, with ten goals in all competitions, and has offered a creative presence at the top end of the pitch, with 12 assists for the Scottish giants.
Appearances
10
Goals
1
Big chances created
3
Assists
3
Tackles + interceptions
2.4
Duel success rate
59%
As you can see in the table above, Engels also excelled in the club’s run to the last 16 in the Champions League, thanks to his ability in and out of possession in midfield.
The Belgian starlet, who was described as “fantastic” by captain Callum McGregor, has the defensive awareness and mobility to win the majority of his duels and disrupt opposition attacks on a regular basis, whilst also having the composure and creativity on the ball to make things happen for his side.
Overall, Celtic have already hit the jackpot with the former Augsburg star because they have unearthed a midfield talent who can score crucial goals and create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, whilst also offering defensive quality on the European stage.
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The 21-year-old talent’s soaring market value also shows that Celtic have signed a player who has the potential to be sold on for a healthy profit in the future, as his value continues to rise alongside his fantastic performances on the pitch for the club.
