On-form Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi makes Japan squad

By Euan Davidson

August 26, 2021

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has been selected to represent Japan in their next round of World Cup Qualifiers.

Kyogo, who has 6 caps for his country [Transfermarkt], has been on unbelievable form since arriving in Scotland. Still the J-League’s top scorer [ESPN], he has scored 6 goals in 7 matches. That’s a strike every 71 minutes since coming to Glasgow under Ange Postecoglou.

That kind of form does not go unnoticed. Per Dan Orlowitz, Japan’s squad to face Oman and China also features other names of interest for Celtic supporters. Heavily-linked defender Ko Itakura, now of Schalke 04 in Germany, has been called up. Takumi Minamino, a former schoolmate of Kyogo’s, will make for familiar company, too.

Big names like Maya Yoshida and Yuto Nagatomo – formerly of Inter Milan – also make the squad.

It’s fine reward for Kyogo. Despite his blistering form over recent seasons, he’s only amassed a handful of caps for the Japan national team. He’s scored three in six appearances. A considerable return, given the attacking talent at Japan’s disposal.

Perennial qualifiers for major tournaments, Oman and China should really give Kyogo ample opportunity to add to his international tally. Also, it’ll be a welcome return for the striker, who left Vissel Kobe on extremely good terms.

Kyogo will make Japan appearances with Celtic fans’ song in his ears and electric form

What a time it’s been for Kyogo in Scotland. Barring the heinous, abhorrent and widely-reported scenes involving Rangers fans, Kyogo has had quite the experience since joining Celtic.

His teammates are delighted with him on and off the pitch. He’s helped Celtic gain a significant following in Japan, and he’s a bona fide fan favourite already.

There’s a song for him, Abada and Ange that’s been in most supporters’ heads for weeks, I’d wager.

Whether Kyogo enjoys the music of Scooter is, at this point, not known.

Overall though, he’ll be bringing immense form with him to the Japan squad. And, interestingly, he’ll be playing alongside the man Vissel Kobe bought to replace him.

Yuya Osako, formerly of Werder Bremen, has joined the J-League outfit this month [Transfermarkt]. Kyogo will surely have pointers for Osako, who has returned to Japan after 7 years of life in Germany.

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