There haven’t been many centre-forwards like Kyogo Furuhashi in Scotland in recent times.
Whilst Rangers have to deal with watching Cyriel Dessers week in and week out, the Celtic Park faithful were blessed to watch Kyogo work his magic for four years.
Kyogo left Celtic during the January transfer window, in a surprise move to French side Rennes, and now he is back on British soil, but playing for Birmingham City in the English Championship.
Yet, the Celtic hero is still being used as the example, as an unexpected source in Kris Boyd explained.
- READ MORE: ‘I’m not sure’ – Birmingham City manager’s thoughts on Celtic hero Kyogo seriously backfire
Kris Boyd uses Kyogo Furuhashi as an example for Cyriel Dessers
Over the weekend, as Celtic made it two wins from two, it was more dropped points for new Rangers boss Russell Martin in the Premiership.
Rangers drew 1-1 with Dundee on Saturday evening, with James Tavernier scoring a questionable penalty in stoppage time, before Dessers thought he had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled offside.
Boyd discussed this on Sky Sports, including slating Dessers’ movement, before he proceeded to use Kyogo as an example, and how he has probably been ‘the best at it in recent years.’
Stan Petrov: “Dessers, that’s a good finish (offside goal against Dundee). But I believe he is always offside.”
Boyd stated: “I know what you are saying, Stiliyan. I am watching the game, especially in the modern game, everybody is attracted to the ball. They want to come and get touches.
“Sometimes, a striker, especially Rangers and Celtic, we look at Kyogo as probably the best at it in recent years. Taking himself out of the game. You don’t need to get involved in the game, because it’s all in front of them anyway.
“I always think, if you are on the other side of the defender, he can see you, whereas if you look at Kyogo’s movement, if you are on the other side, I know you then have to get yourself back on, but it’s very difficult for the defender.
“All of a sudden, they are starting to look, ‘where are you?’ And then, you can pull off the back of them.
“But if you are standing right in front of them and trying to back in. It’s easier for defenders. It’s all congested for Rangers in that area.”
Celtic hero Kyogo and Rangers striker Dessers’ stats
Nobody in Scotland can touch or get near to what Henrik Larsson produced during his time at Celtic, because he was the best of the modern era.
But who has been the best since the King of Kings? It could be argued that Kyogo is that man.
His numbers and trophies count during his time in Glasgow are just brilliant, and it puts Dessers’ numbers to shame.
- Kyogo’s games for Celtic: 165
- Goals: 85
- Assists: 19
- Trophies: 9
- Top goalscorer: 22/23 season (27 goals)
- Dessers’ games for Rangers: 114
- Goals: 52
- Assists: 17
- Trophies: 1
- Top goalscorer: 24/25 season (18 goals)
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