Reo Hatate has been a player that every Celtic fan has raved about over the last season and a half. The Japanese midfielder joined Celtic in the 2021 January window and right from the get-go, made an immediate impact on the first-team.
A crucial goal against Hearts in the 2-1 win at Tynecastle was quickly followed up with a Glasgow Derby debut double in the famous 3-0 win that saw Celtic take top spot in the league, which they never relinquished.
Hatate was a vital cog in winning the double in his first season and then the subsequent Treble that followed in his second. But Brendan Rodgers pinpointed a Champions League game that he watched last season that left him really impressed.
Rodgers said [Daily Record], “Reo will have gained invaluable experience from playing against the best players and best teams in the best stadiums.
“Going up against world-class players only helps. I watched the Champions League games last season and Reo was excellent. Against Real Madrid at home, he was very good.
“These experiences just enrich you and enhance your personal development as a player. No doubt he will benefit from more of that this season.”
“Reo’s physically very good. He’s in great physical condition, he’s quick and technically very good. In the opening few weeks I’ve seen his tactical ideas as well.
“So he’s one I’m looking forward to working with more. He’s showed up well at Celtic already, scoring big goals in big games.
“I can imagine there’s been interest in him because that’s always the case for good players. But he’s a player I really like and hope to help develop him further.
“For every player, there is always learning that takes place. We have a number of players in their early to mid-20s so there is still development for them to improve.”
Hatate has been the subject of recent transfer speculation. English Premier League side, Brighton, were said to be interested in the Celtic midfielder. Hatate rubbished those rumours at the tail end of last season.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur were also reportedly interested in the midfielder, but as yet, nothing has materialised on that front and, to be honest, it doesn’t look like it will anytime soon.
Hatate has recently enjoyed being part of the Japan national squad and will no doubt continue to do so after impressing in the recent international break.
In other news, Aberdeen’s latest transfer update could end Liam Scales’ chance for Celtic exit
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