Reo Hatate and Kyogo both so vital for Celtic at Ibrox

Reo Hatate and Kyogo are both so vital to Brendan’s Celtic side with both set to start at Ibrox…

Kyogo, Daizen and Reo
Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay

Players like Reo Hatate and Kyogo have come on for some criticism lately, some of it justified and some not, but their appearance from the bench on Boxing Day proved that they are very much a vital part of our side.

Complete ascendancy

We were in complete ascendancy at the time of their arrival on the pitch, but their mere presence gave the side a lift and we looked a more creative and efficient side with both players on the park.

Kyogo may be struggling a bit in front of goal at the moment, but his all round play is vital to the way we play as a team, so you can say it’s a cert he will be leading the line when we go to Ibrox next week. The fact that he’s also a player for the big occasion further cements his place in the side for this very game.

Reo Hatate celebrates
Reo Hatate celebrates scoring during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on 26th December 2024. Picture by Mark Runnacles

The same can be said of Reo. His ability to create chances and his eye for goal give him an edge over his competitors in the middle of the park.

Not be firing on all cylinders

Reo, like Kyogo may not be firing on all cylinders at the moment, but he’s a player that gives us something extra in the middle of the park. That ability will also ensure Reo Hatate a starting place come Thursday afternoon at Ibrox.

Brendan Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on 26th December 2024. (Picture by Mark Runnacles Shutterstock)

Both will have to get through tomorrow’s match against St Johnstone and hopefully we can get the job done in the first half to allow the substitutes to come on to replace starters for Ibrox. Brendan may also choose to do as he did on Boxing Day and keep players like Kyogo and Reo Hatate on the bench against the Perthshire Saints with one eye of the Dead Rubber Derby.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment

  1. Agreed that I also think tomorrow team selection, will be based upon the trip to that shithole also imo?
    Actually think it’s easier to name our line up for the Glasgow Derby, then it is for tomorrow?
    As expecting the shithole to be more toxic and rancid than usual at the beginning, them possibly mean that Hatate is favourite over Engels, with the experience factor of that kip. Same could apply for kyogo and idah, Taylor and valle, and scales and Trusty also?
    Hopefully can introduce our newer players to such a toxic environment, later in the game, when the best part of the scum hoards have already left, to go home sulking yet again?
    Tomorrow is a totally different story, which could involve just how many minutes, Rodgers might want to use AJ and kuhn?
    Also think CCV and scales will be the CB partnership against the scum, so could go with Trusty and Welsh tomorrow, along with starting valle imo?
    A risky approach with the defensive line, but keeping defenders fresher for the Glasgow Derby could be to our benefit also imo?
    Keeping kyogo and Hatate back for later in the last game, worked out very well for ourselves, and think Rodgers could take the same approach tomorrow also?
    Might mean Calmac and Maeda playing the full 90 minutes again, but are still 2 players where a congested fixture list, wouldn’t have as much impact upon them, than it could upon other players within our squad imo?
    The scum aren’t in a position to afford such luxuries either, before facing ourselves?