Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has an abundance of talent at his disposal and there is no surprise that debate over his starting line-ups become widespread on matchday.
The Bhoys spent over £30 million on eight summer signings, adding to a squad already rich in quality that managed to claim a domestic double last term.
However, there will always be differing opinions on the best way for Brendan Rodgers to set up and who is appropriately equipped to come into his side weekly.
Ultimately, the Irishman has shown a tendency to alter his tactical framework dependent on the opposition this season, as all good managers do. Regardless, most supporters have a rough idea of the faces that would comprise his strongest Celtic line-up for important matches.
On that note, Gordon Dalziel has pointed to the Bhoys figure he believes would always make their strongest side despite the unwarranted criticism he has received in the past from some quarters.
Gordon Dalziel lauds ‘absolutely brilliant’ Celtic star Reo Hatate
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel paid tribute to Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate and refused to acknowledge a narrative from one of their callers questioning his consistency.
Responding to the point, he explained: “Hatate, to me, is one of the most talented played in Scottish football; he’s absolutely brilliant; I think he’s great on the big stage.
“Everything about him, you watch him, he’s clever, his knowledge of the game, his passing, he can get you goals.
Later, he added: “If Celtic play in their biggest game, that will probably start tomorrow night (vs Club Brugge) to get these three points that would put them in an unbelievable position, and he (Rodgers) plays his strongest team, Hatate is starting in that strongest team.
“That’s Brendan Rodgers. If Celtic fans believe Brendan Rodgers is doing a magnificent job and (is) a terrific coach, you’ve got to go with that judgement for me.”
Reo Hatate is delivering for Celtic this campaign
Making his presence known this term, Hatate has struck four times and laid on an assist inside 19 appearances and he has also been one of Celtic’s best creative outlets.
Stat-trackers Fotmob show that on Scottish Premiership duty, the Japan international has created 15 chances and taken on 27 shots, seven of which have been on target.
While he continues to shine in the engine room, Celtic fans will be desperate for another show-stopping performance from him when Club Brugge come to town this evening.
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