Peter Grant says Celtic have a player who is ‘the best’ in Scotland at running behind defenders

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Celtic have struggled to find a clinical edge over the last few weeks under Brendan Rodgers amid their ongoing title fight.

In the Bhoys’ past four Scottish Premiership matches, they have managed to net just three times from open play, which is goalscoring form that won’t suffice as they try to claw back a two-point deficit at the summit.

Nevertheless, one minor silver lining has been Kyogo Furuhashi getting back to his best, with the Japanese striker netting in back-to-back league and cup matches against St Mirren and Kilmarnock.

The 29-year-old now has 13 goals and three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this campaign, which is still a credible total, even if his tally isn’t as prolific as 2022/23 [Transfermarkt].

Hoops boss Rodgers has recently fielded Furuhashi in a two-man attack with Adam Idah, helping the former to find more space and work his magic.

Speaking about the process behind the tactical switch, the Irishman stated: “Whenever you have someone like Adam who can run in behind, and he can be a reference for you, it gives Kyogo that bit more freedom to drop underneath if he wants to.”

By design, playing with two frontmen may not be the most aesthetically pleasing style of football; however, if it yields results, nobody is going to ask too many questions.

Peter Grant drops glowing verdict on Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi

Former Celtic man Peter Grant has paid Furuhashi some very complimentary praise while discussing the Hoops’ lack of creative ingenuity in recent weeks.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, the 58-year-old explained: “Teams are making it difficult. They’re boxing off certain areas of the pitch. So, the hardest ball to defend is balls coming in behind you. It’s so difficult.

“And there’s one guy in Scottish football who I’d say is the best at it. He plays for Celtic. It’s Kyogo. He loves crosses coming in because he plays that half-yard offside anyway. And that’s what he loves. And that’s why I disagree with people when they say he’s out of form; I just say, ‘Put the crosses in.'”

Why the goals have slowed for Furuhashi this campaign isn’t an exact science, though he is a talismanic figure and it is encouraging to see him hit his stride as the run-in approaches.

Motherwell await this weekend at Fir Park, and his elite movement and anticipation levels will be crucial to ensure we travel home with three points.

Regardless of what has gone before, the 29-year-old still has a key part to play and could hold the key to winning a domestic double.