Reo Hatate is now back to full fitness and has done more in his half-hour appearance than David Turnbull has in the last few games.
Harsh? Yes maybe but it’s the truth. Yes, I know David set us up for all three points yesterday with a finely taken spot kick, but he has barely kicked a ball these past few games.
16th September 2023 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership, Celtic versus Dundee – Reo Hatate warms up as he returns to the squad. Photo ActionPlus David Young
Brendan Rodgers raised more than a few eyebrows when he started Turnbull over Hatate in the opening game of the season against Ross County. To be fair to him, David took his chance with both hands and grabbed a brace in the 4-2 win.
But since then he’s looked average and certainly doesn’t look like a player playing for a new contract. Turnbull lacks pace and hasn’t got the skill that Reo possesses, but he can nick the odd goal or two, but he hasn’t managed that in Reo’s absence, until yesterday.
David Turnbull of Celtic scores penalty. Celtic v Dundee, Cinch Scottish Premiership, 16 Sep 2023 Photo Robert Perry/Shutterstock
For me and a lot of other Celtic supporters it proves that Reo Hatate has got to start over David Turnbull when the Japanese midfielder is fit. Our midfield looks more fluent and threatening when Reo is on the park. Everyone can see it and it really is that simple.
In fact it’s glaringly obvious and Brendan will certainly notice it too. I like David and hoped he would kick on under Brendan, but sadly that hasn’t happened and doesn’t look like it will on current form. We’ll leave that to Brendan to work his magic but for now Reo Hatate has got to be the first pick now, starting on Tuesday night in Rotterdam. He makes us a much better side.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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