Kyogo Furuhashi has been a brilliant addition to Celtic.
Almost singlehandedly, he won the League Cup final against Hibs last season, also proving to be an attacking catalyst for the team winning the league.
And this season, as well as another cup final double bringing the trophy back to Parkhead, his goals against Rangers in the past two league derbies have also helped to keep a firm grip of the lead at the top of the table.
After netting his 27th and 28th goals of the season on Saturday, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was asked what he thought about his star striker and when told on BBC Sportsound that the panel were debating whether or not the Japanese frontman was the best signing in recent times in Scotland, Postecoglou said, “It’s easy for me to say because I’ve got a big rap for him.
“I think from the moment he’s arrived, he’s been outstanding. Every time he plays he looks like he’s gonna score goals. The way he works for his team, he’s just brilliant.
“I never have to gee him up. I never have to get him motivated. He just goes out there, you see the size of him. Most of the time he’s up against guys who are a lot bigger than him a lot more physical. He’s got this really sort of kind nature about him.
“He’s smiling, but don’t underestimate his competitiveness. He wants to win. You know, he wants to win as much as anyone and again, in the big game, he’s delivered.”
When you watch Kyogo, you do understand what Ange is alluding to when he says not to underestimate him. On the face of it, we see a man who shows nothing but respect for his teammates, his rivals and his surroundings. Even when he commits a foul, the striker will be the first person to make sure his opponent is ok.
But when you watch him out of possession, chasing and harrying defenders, Kyogo is ruthless in his pursuit to win the ball back. That is one of the key assets to his game and to the team. He is a competitor first and foremost.
What next for Kyogo?
Celtic’s top goal scorer last season in all competitions with 20 and now leading the Scottish scoring charts on 28 for this season, the next aim for Kyogo should be to make his mark on Europe.
Even he would be happy to admit that he fell short of his normal high standards in the Champions League and I am sure he will be determined to put that right next season in the group stages.
Kyogo knows that if he does that then his chances of an international call-up improve hugely and that can only benefit Celtic in the long run.
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