Reo Hatate was unplayable once again against Aberdeen at the weekend and is fast becoming the shining star in this Ange Postecoglou side. For a while he went slightly off the boil and wasn’t as good as he’s been in the past, however, it’s certainly changed of late and the Japanese playmaker is turning on the style like never before.
It’s remarkable that Hatate never started playing professional football until a few years ago, and what’s even more astounding is the fact that nobody in European football had the wherewithal to snap him up from Kawaski Frontale in the J-League, before Celtic swooped in and nabbed him all for ourselves last January transfer window.
With another big game coming up on Sunday in the Viaplay League Cup Final against theRangers, don’t be surprised if Reo turns on the class yet again to help us win our first silverware of the season in 2022/23. His vision and passing are a joy to behold, and when he’s next to Callum McGregor, Aaron Mooy, or Matt O’Riley, we have an absolute Rolls-Royce of a midfield trio at any given time.
On Christmas Eve this year, the man who is knocking on the door very loudly for another crack at international football with his country had to play right-back as we had sustained injuries and Josip Juranovic was unavailable due to playing in the World Cup in Qatar. It didn’t matter a jot, as Reo stepped in and showed his veratilty – scoring and having a tremendous game against Callum Davidson’s St Johnstone side.
These sort of displays and numbers are revealing just how special a player Celtic have on their hands at this minute in time, and the problem moving forward will be trying to keep hold of him. No doubt English Premier League eyes will be on him closely and it’s a matter of time before a bid arrived on Ange Postecoglou’s desk at Lennoxtown. In the meantime though, we should enjoy the Hatate Masterclasses as they unfold.
It was another overwhelming Man of the Match Award for our number 41 this week…
🗳️ Who’s been your #CELABE @Dafabet MOTM, Celts?
Five minutes to vote… 📊#cinchPrem | #COYBIG | #DafabetMOTM ⭐
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 18, 2023
Now bring on theRangers…
🌟 @CelticFC's Reo Hatate has been named as Star Man in the SPFL #TOTW!
Read more 👉 https://t.co/tlwFmLZ2hp#cinchSPFL | @cinchuk pic.twitter.com/kjc5kw0OIC
— SPFL (@spfl) February 21, 2023
Paul Gillespie
