Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has stated that Ange Postecoglou is always encouraging him to play as close to the centre-forward as possible.
Hatate has shown an inventive streak during his time in Glasgow with 3 goals and 4 assists in his 21 appearances for the club [Transfermarkt]. Despite not being at his peak level as of yet, he’s still managed to showcase his abilities and has looked impressive on plenty of occasions.
He’s clearly done enough to impress Ange during his time in Scotland too given the regular minutes he was receiving during the title run-in.
And in an interview with Number Web, Hatate has disclosed what Ange tells him to do before Celtic games as he outlined his specific role at Parkhead: “If the coach asked me to play full-back, I would do it because I want to play. But I think midfield is where I can show my strength in both offense and defense. I am happy to play in this position.
“The coach tells me to play as close to the forward as possible, as close to the goal as possible, and I am expected to score as well. That has definitely led to results. What I am conscious of now is to look for a position where I can be free.
“I am always conscious of looking for teammates, enemies, and space. Celtic’s soccer is aggressive, and in that respect it is similar to Frontale. Frontale had many great players in this position, so I learned a lot, and that has led me to where I am now. I really feel that way.”
Reo Hatate will be putting more emphasis on goals next season
You feel there are another few levels within Hatate’s game that the player himself will be able to reach through time. One of those will result in an increased goal tally. That much is certain.
Hatate got himself into some great positions during the second half of the campaign. If he had been more clinical when the opportunities presented themself, he could easily have added another 5-10 goals in the closing weeks of the season.
Not that Hatate’s contribution was poor of course. It’s too easily forgotten about just how big a role he truly played in our title-winning journey. You could be justified in saying we wouldn’t have won the league had Reo not joined. The immediate impact he made on the title-race was crucial to our success.
That’s something the player himself needs to take plenty of pride and confidence in heading into the new campaign. He’s one of our top stars for a reason and the fact that supporters can see he has extra levels in his game shows that he managed to make a positive impression.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Reo really takes his football to another level this season. He’s clearly trusted by Ange to do a job and he knows he has the footballing brain to get into more goalscoring positions next season.
The manager seems to trust him as a goal-getter too. His development could be one of the most exciting aspects of 2022/23.
In other news, Celtic boss brilliantly details what Harry Kewell is going to add at Lennoxtown
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