Josip Juranovic believes Bhoys skipper Callum McGregor is as important for Celtic as Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is for the Croatia national team, via The Scottish Sun.
McGregor has impressed Juranovic with his leadership in the Hoops dressing room since the defender’s summer arrival from Legia Warsaw. Ange Postecoglou spent £2.5m to buy the right-back in August, with Anthony Ralston his only alternative senior option.
Juranovic has proven to be an important and versatile part in Postecoglou’s plans with nine outings for Celtic so far. Playing his minutes mostly at left-back, despite joining to improve the Bhoys’ options at right-back. He has also provided two goals across all competitions.
McGregor has been on the field during five of Juranovic’s Celtic games so far, in which they have won three. The Bhoys’ sole defeat with the pair both playing came against Rangers in August’s Old Firm Derby at Ibrox. They also both started Saturday’s draw with Livingston.
Postecoglou has kept McGregor a near mainstay of his plans since awarding the 28-year-old Celtic’s captain’s armband this summer. And Juranovic sees clear leadership traits in the 39-cap Scotland international that make him as important as Modric for Croatia.
“Of course [McGregor is as important for Celtic as Modric is for Croatia], because Callum has been here for years,” Juranovic said. “He is a true leader, a true captain and when he speaks, we all listen.
“He went out of his way to welcome me to the club when I arrived, texting me a message. Every person here is a great footballer, and they are good people.”
Has McGregor proven he’s worth Celtic’s captaincy?
Postecoglou is confident McGregor has what it takes to be Celtic’s captain, and Juranovic clearly feels the same way. The defender has made seven of his 13 caps for Croatia with Modric on the field since debuting in 2017.
Juranovic only established his international presence in 2020, however, at which point Modric boasted four Champions League winners’ medals. The £275k-a-week 36-year-old was also named UEFA and FIFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. Having helped Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final – Juranovic was not involved in Zlatko Dalic’s squad that summer.
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