Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has highlighted the importance of Japanese star Kyogo Furuhashi ahead of Hearts’ visit to Celtic Park tomorrow.
The 27-year-old has started the season as he finished the last one, scoring the opener in two of Celtic’s three games so far, and Postecoglou is well aware of how crucial the striker is to his side.
As reported by The Glasgow Times, he said: “We all know how important Kyogo is for us. Everyone appreciates the footballer he is, the person he is and what he gives the team. It’s not just about his goals, it’s his work rate and attitude. Kyogo is a quality finisher, an intelligent footballer and a handful for other teams. He is really valued at this club.”
Kyogo endured an injury-ravaged debut season in Scotland but still helped himself to 20 goals last term but his manager believes that his ability to play through pain is a reflection of the forward’s character.
Postecoglou said: “He played in a cup final when he wasn’t 100 per cent, scored a couple of goals and that probably put him out for a couple of months. We understand his mentality. You can measure courage and bravery in different ways but to me that was the biggest testament to him.
“He is a tough character. Not many players would go out there on cup final day and score two goals with that injury. Kyogo was out for a significant period of time but he worked hard in rehab and he has hit the ground running again.”
With his injury woes behind him, Kyogo looks set to light up the Scottish Premiership as he threatened to last season when he was fit.
His dynamism and movement are unmatched by forwards in the league, and his aptitude for pressing makes him the ideal Postecoglou forward, so it’s little wonder that his manager rates him so highly,
With Hearts next up at Celtic Park tomorrow, Kyogo will hope to continue his hot streak by scoring against the Jambos as he did in both of their visits to the east end of Glasgow last season.
In other news: Confirmed: Celtic talent signs on loan at Championship outfit
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