Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan talks Kyogo; sends Scottish strikers a key message

Add as preferred source on Google

Kyogo Furuhashi has brought something to the Scottish game that some football fans have never seen before. As well as being a predator in front of goal, his work rate for the team is absolutely brilliant.

Former Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan was waxing lyrical about the Japanese striker and revealed the key difference between the Hoops striker and Scottish strikers in the league.

Speaking on the Off The Record podcast Strachan said, “He’s everything I like about a striker.

“He’s not the biggest but his first thought is, ‘How am I going to get behind you?’

“I’m getting behind you no matter what happens. And if you go by the way there is space to play in between the lines.

“So I love that mentality. That’s the thing that Ange has brought to the club. How do I get in behind?

“If those gaps appear, we will play in behind you.

“So Kyogo is the first line in defending. Whatever you plan on building from the back, he makes it nearly impossible.

“And the funny thing is and strikers all around Scotland should look at him. I watch strikers in Scotland kind of closing down, and it’s really five-eighths to three-quarters because that’s the way they do it.

“But with him. it’s 100%. Absolutely 100%.

“You know why they don’t do it? They’re not as fit as Kyogo. Other strikers think, ‘If I close down as quick as that, when the ball comes to me I’ll be tired’.

“He [Kyogo] doesn’t mind. He’s that fit when the ball comes back to him he’s still fit.”

His defensive work is matched only by his attacking prowess. It is little wonder the 28-year-old is almost on 30 goals for the season.

Kyogo is one of Ange Postecoglou’s best signings. Of that, there is not doubt. He is such an integral part of the way we play, without his constant work up front off the ball, we wouldn’t create as many chances as we do.

Next season is one where the Japanese striker will be aiming to improve upon. He will be desperate to make his mark in the Champions League in order to force his way into the national team. And that is something all Celtic fans will want to see.