Reo Hatate impresses in Japan as EPL star is ‘inspired’ by Celtic midfielder

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Celtic midfielder, Reo Hatate is currently in Japan on international duty hoping to add to the solitary cap he earned last year.

Japan are set to face El Salvador tomorrow and Peru on the 20^th of June as the Samurai Blues participate in the Kirin Cup. [Japan FA]

And whilst most of the headlines surrounding Hatate are about his long-term career ambitions and the reported rumours linking him to Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion star, Kaoro Mitoma has been blown away by his former Kawasaki Frontale teammate in the Japan camp.

Mitoma said [Soccer King], “I have the impression that the intensity and the quality of each and every play is getting higher. (addressing how Hatate has improved as a player since he last seen him.)

“I am also inspired by him, and I have a strong feeling that I can’t lose. I have a lot to learn from him, so I hope I can integrate that [Hatate’s strong awareness of the game and his enthusiasm] into my game.”  [translated by Deep L]

Mitoma and Hatate played together for three seasons at Frontale between 2018 and 2021 before they both went their separate ways to join their respective clubs. Mitoma won Japan’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2022. [JPFA]

Hatate’s form for Celtic has earned him this call-up to the Japan squad and despite being snubbed for the Qatar World Cup, it looks like he is giving his chances of adding to his caps a boost after these words by the English Premier League star.

Of course, the Celtic fans already knew this about their midfielder. We see Hatate’s skill every single week.

The Japanese midfielder vowed yesterday that he would ‘show his worth on the pitch’ in the upcoming international matches. I would suggest he already is after reading this praise from Mitoma.

In other news, Report: Dermot Desmond holds new London talks; pivotal moment for Celtic and Rodgers