Journalist Dominik Diamond was quick to hail Celtic defender Anthony Ralston for his title-winning assist in the 1-1 draw against Dundee United.
The lowdown: Number 52
On a night when the Hoops were crowned the Scottish top-flight champions for the 52nd time, Ange Postecoglou’s side were held by their hosts at Tannadice Park.
The draw was enough for Celtic however as the title-clinching Bhoys celebrated in style at the final whistle having reclaimed the Scottish Premiership from Old Firm rivals Rangers.
Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis got the party started when his header broke the deadlock after half time, but it was the man with the mesmerising assist who took the plaudits from onlookers…
The latest: ‘Twinkle toes’
Taking to Twitter immediately after footage of the goal was shared, Diamond, journalist and radio broadcaster for the likes of BBC Radio 5 Live and The Guardian, lauded Ralston’s ingenious set-up.
The 52-year-old said: “Ralston is the combination of brickie, ballet dancer and Ballesteros with the twinkle toes and chip combo!”
Overall the right-back completed two successful crosses on the night, whilst also winning 5/10 duels and taking a whopping 130 touches in another standout display (Sofascore).
The verdict: A box to box defender?
In truth, this sublime assist was among the ideal ways in which to open the scoring on such a momentous night as the 23-year-old took his goal contribution tally to 13 for the season from right-back.
Having previously been a bit-part player under Neil Lennon and Brendan Rodgers beforehand, the Celtic academy graduate has been reborn under Postecoglou and has come on leaps and bounds for the Greek-Australian boss.
With only one game remaining as Celtic welcome Motherwell to Parkhead for what is sure to be a celebratory occasion, Ralston currently boasts the joint fourth-highest average Sofascore rating for the Bhoys with an impressive 7.40 from 27 league outings, behind only the departed Ryan Christie (7.88), David Turnbull (7.61) and Jota (7.51).
Currently capped only once by Scotland at the senior international level, the Glasgow-born ace will hope marauding attacking exploits such as this as well as a superb 2021/22 campaign overall will earn further opportunities to impress for Steve Clarke’s side over the summer.
In other news, journalist makes ‘massive’ claim involving Celtic man. Find out who it is here.
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