Reo Hatate put in a masterclass at right-back today for Celtic as the Hoops put behind the poor performance of Wednesday night against Livingston. The Japanese playmaker usually sits in the middle of the field alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley, but this afternoon the manager had somewhat of a dilemma.
With Josip Juranovic given an extended break after his World Cup exploits with Croatia in Qatar this winter, Anthony Ralston took the opportunity to step in in the full-backs absence. But fate struck and Anthony has been ruled out after picking up an injury during the midweek clash with the side from West Lothian.
Today Ange decided to freshen things up and the set-up required a bit of fudging as we had no recognised right-back to play. However, known for being a bit of a utility man back in the J-League, Reo Hatate stepped up when asked by Postecoglou to play a starring role in helping the team get through today.
Well, it worked out unbelievably for the Bhoys manager this particular conundrum; Hatate was peerless today and managed to score TWO goals from the right-back position. Looking as if he’s played there his whole entire life, the man from Japan strolled it out there on that pitch at Celtic Park today and it was quite enjoyable to watch him in action.
The Celtic supporters overwhelmingly voted for Reo as Man of the Match for this week at Paradise. After the game, he was presented with the standard Dafabet Man of the Match award for his outstanding display this afternoon against the Saints. Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston better watch out – Reo Hatate is a goalscoring full-back!
🗳️ Who’s been your #CELSTJ @Dafabet MOTM, Celts?
Five minutes to vote… ⌛️🎁#cinchPrem | #COYBIG | #DafabetMOTM ⭐
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 24, 2022
Paul Gillespie
