Celtic hero Reo Hatate shares interesting role change he trained for whilst on duty with Japan

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Reo Hatate has been enjoying some great form for Celtic in the early stages of this season.

The Japanese midfielder has started all seven of Celtic’s fixtures so far and has been central to the team’s attacking prowess in all seven wins in the opening games of the domestic campaign and in that impressive 5-1 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.

However, it seems that his impressive form for Celtic has not curried him any favours on the international scene after being snubbed by Hajime Moriyasu in Japan’s last two fixtures.

Despite being called up to the national squad, Reo Hatate never made a single appearance for the Samurai Blues against China and Bahrain which the Celtic midfielder admitted to being disappointed about.

Hatate’s ‘many opportunities’ in new Japan role

Despite a lack of game time on the last international break, Hatate revealed that he had been training in a more defensive role than what he is used to at Celtic.

Hatate told Sportiva, “I was also greatly helped by the presence of coach Makoto Hasebe, who joined the national team from this activity.

“During training sessions outside the squad, I trained under Hasse-san (Hasebe) and sometimes he kicked the ball with me.

“I was honestly happy and encouraged to be able to work with someone who, like Yuto, had fought in Europe for a long time and was also captain of the national team.

“I felt that Hasse and Yuto taught me an important mindset as a player, and I learnt a lot from them.

“During the team’s general training, I had many opportunities to play as a volante and I actively talked to Wataru (Endo) and Hidemasa (Morita). Yuto and Hasse were a big reason why I was able to work with this attitude, and I think it was thanks to them.”

Hajime Moriyasu not utilising Hatate’s strengths

Utilising Hatate as a defensive midfielder, the Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu is clearly not playing to the strengths of the Celtic midfielder.

The last time Hatate played in volante-style role for Celtic was in the 2-0 defeat to RB Leipzig back in 2022 under Ange Postecoglou. He has also played this deep on just five other occasions in his career. [Transfermarkt]

Every Celtic supporter knows that the Japanese midfielder is at his best supporting the attacking front three so it is little wonder Hatate is not being selected for the Japan starting lineup if he is being utilised in a role that is almost alien to him.

Hopefully, as Hatate continues to show his worth and his effectiveness on the European stage, Moriyasu will give him a real opportunity to show what he can do with Japan in his strongest position in the next international break.