Ange Postecoglou delivers Reo Hatate verdict after Celtic win and it's frightening for rivals

By John McGinley

February 18, 2023

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou believes Reo Hatate is not going to settle for his current performance levels and will become an even better player over the coming weeks and months.

Hatate was in exceptional form for the Bhoys today, scoring twice and effectively running the show from midfield. Right now, no one is playing better than him in Scotland.

Postecoglou is obviously pleased, but his verdict of the player today was an ominous warning for upcoming opponents this season and beyond.

Reo Hatate is heading to the top

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, the manager said [17:14]: “He was great. He has been all year to be fair.

“He’s another who’s just not going to settle for where he’s at. He wants to be better. He’s constantly looking for ways to improve and for ways to get his game to another level.

“He’s not going to rest until he’s the footballer he wants to be in his mind. He’s one who, every day comes in trying to improve and he’s getting the rewards for his efforts.”

Quotes coming out of Celtic in the past have indicated Hatate is always meeting with his coaches to get insights into his game and how to exploit the opposition.

A meeting with Postecoglou during the World Cup break resulted in the Japanese talent realising he needed to add more goals to his game. He is now doing that.

Hatate now has eight goals across the entire season and six of them have come since that chat and analysis work with Gavin Strachan.

It’s exciting to think how good he’ll get between now and June. If we’re lucky enough to have him in Glasgow next season, the potential is mindblowing.

In other news, Hyeongyu Oh verdict, The Hatate Show; 3 things we learned as Celtic punish Aberdeen.