Today’s game is made for Paulo Bernardo, but Reo Hatate will most likely get the nod. If so he owes himself and us a good performance…
Paulo Bernardo of Celtic arrives prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park on January 27, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Today’s side should really pick itself, but the biggest decision in my opinion is who gets the nod in the middle of the park. Callum McGregor and Arne Engels are sure fire bets to start, but who plays in the slot beside them is a toss up between Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo.
Reo Hatate of Celtic directs his team during the pre-season friendly match against Manchester City at Kenan Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Admirer of both players
I’m an admirer of both players, and whoever starts will only make us stronger in the middle, but for me this game is made for Paulo Bernardo. Aberdeen will make it tough for us. Don’t be fooled about talk of them coming here to play attacking football, like every other side in the country they will aim to stop us playing, make no mistake about that.
That will mean snuffing us out in our most potent area which is of course in the middle of the park. They will make it difficult for us in that aspect so we will have to be aggressive as well as fluent to combat that threat.
St Johnstone v Celtic – Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring our second goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow
Paulo Bernardo for me is much more competent in that department than Reo. Yes Reo can open up defences with one pass, and he’s a skilful player, but Paulo has a bit more dig about him and contributes more than Reo in that aspect.
Reo has been underwhelming
Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership Reo Hatate during the match between Celtic at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Reo has been underwhelming this campaign. He’s had a few good games, but he’s not got that consistency at the moment, whereas Paulo has. Reo will most likely get the nod, and if he does he owes himself and the supporters a good performance. Let’s hope he does just that.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!
