Callum McGregor praises 'special' Reo Hatate after Celtic thump Aberdeen

By Milo Clay

February 19, 2023

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has labelled Reo Hatate a ‘special talent’ after his display against Aberdeen. 

Hatate is playing at the top of his game for the Bhoys right now and he bagged another two goals at Celtic Park yesterday. 

The 25-year-old has now registered an impressive total of 12 goal involvements in 24 Scottish Premiership games from the middle of the park. 

He’s playing the best football of his career under Ange Postecoglou at the moment and McGregor is certainly impressed with his recent form. 

McGregor praises ‘brilliant’ Hatate after Aberdeen display 

Speaking to Celtic’s official website after yesterday’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen, McGregor was full of praise for Hatate.  

“He was outstanding and you can see how much of a special talent he is,” the Hoops skipper said. 

“He’s getting better every time he plays in that position and he’s learning and getting goals on a regular basis. I’m delighted for him and it was a fantastic performance again.”

McGregor also got on the scoresheet yesterday as he bagged Celtic’s opener inside the first two minutes of the game, while Liel Abada rounded off another impressive win. 

But there’s no doubt that Hatate was the star of the show and his form over the past three months has been exceptional. 

The Japanese international is now proving to be a reliable source of goals from midfield, which will certainly leave Celtic fans excited about his potential. 

Hatate has really kicked on since the return of football after the World Cup. He missed out on Japan’s squad for the tournament in Qatar, but he will now surely be knocking on the door for a place in the side. 

Next up for the Hoops is the big one as they are set to face Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final next weekend. Postecoglou will be hoping that Hatate continues his brilliant form in the Glasgow derby, while the Bhoys also received a boost with Kyogo Furuhashi returning to action yesterday after an injury scare.

In other news, Celtic on course to break goalscoring record that’s stood for over 100 years.