Josip Juranovic is one of the most exciting signings that Celtic made in the summer. A Croatian international, the 26-year-old arrived after several impressive seasons at the club level as well and many believed that he was set to become one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

His start to the campaign has been stop-start though. He has already spent some time out with injury while also having to play out of position at left-back quite a few times.

Juranovic has never been known as a left-back though and rarely played their before arriving at Parkhead earlier this summer. There are two reasons for him featuring there at Celtic – the great form of Anthony Ralston and the club’s lack of a first-choice left-back at the moment.

Most have felt that it is only a matter of time before Juranovic will return to his natural right-back position, which will allow him to truly make an impression in the Celtic jersey. The Croatian appears to be enjoying his new role though. As reported by the Daily Record [print edition, 27/10, page 49] (via 67 Hail Hail), he said:

“When I am at left-back, I feel that Tony [Ralston] and me play really well together. I like this system because I am always on the ball.

“I can go into the middle. I always have one player behind me. But I can go up with Jota on the left side or with Liel Abada or Kyogo on the right. The system is really good.”

Juranovic is expected to become a very important player at Celtic

At 26 years of age, Juranovic is entering his prime as a footballer and can be the long-term solution at right-back for Celtic. But the form of Ralston has made things tricky.

Coming into the season, not many would have expected Ralston to nail down a spot in the first-team but it looks like that is exactly what he has done till now, taking his chances with both hands.

Ralston is one of the most consistent performers in this Celtic team right now and it is hard to see him getting dropped any time soon. Thus, it would not be a surprise to see Juranovic continue featuring at left-back moving forward.

To be honest, the Croatian has done pretty well in the role and it is great that he appears to be enjoying playing there.

This article was originally posted here