Celtic expert ‘wowed’ by Reo Hatate as footage emerges
Reo Hatate can be the difference maker for Celtic in Europe next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie has been impressed with Hatate’s performances in pre-season so far and has backed the 2023-24 season to be “his best year yet”.
In footage shared to Twitter from the Celts 6-4 friendly defeat against Yokohoma F Marinos (19 July), the 25-year-old can be seen playing a pivotal role in setting up Daizen Maeda’s opening goal.
Hatate managed to win the ball back from the Yokohoma attacker before pinging a pass to Liel Abada who played in Maeda for the first goal.
The Japan international has been heavily linked with a move away from Parkhead but Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of a potential exit.
The new boss said he is excited to see the midfielder playing for the Hoops in the Champions League next season.
When asked if Hatate could be the difference maker for Celtic in Europe next season, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I think he is wonderful.
“Even the other night the tackle he made to get the ball back and the awareness and passing ability was just different class.
“Since he smashed the ball into the back of the Rangers net I have thought wow and I think he is just getting better and better, if that is possible.
“I think this year is going to be his best year yet and I think he will be playing at Celtic. If he moves on after that he will go with everyone’s blessing.“
In other news, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers make moves to sign Celtic star.