Celtic are a different proposition under Brendan Rodgers this term compared to the system of old operated by Ange Postecoglou.
Since walking through the door at Parkhead, Rodgers has put his own stamp on things, which has demanded some individuals to operate in various roles.
Evaluating the Bhoys’ squad, Kyogo Furuhashi’s utilisation under the Irishman has been an intriguing watch, with the Japan international featuring as a lone striker, in a front-two, and occasionally in a deeper position behind Adam Idah.
The 29-year-old has endured a mixed bag in front of the target this campaign, registering 14 goals and three assists in 39 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Per Sofascore, the former Vissel Kobe man has missed 15 big chances in the Scottish Premiership, though it is worth bearing in mind these figures will be higher than most other players in the division due to the number of opportunities Celtic create in comparison.
Nevertheless, Furuhashi came off the bench last weekend to provide the goods against Livingston, latching on to a James Forrest flick-on before slotting past Michael McGovern with aplomb, putting the seal on a 4-2 victory in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.
Stuart Kettlewell has his say on Kyogo Furuhashi’s Celtic form
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has already faced Furuhashi twice this term and knows the problems he can cause first-hand.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, the 39-year-old explained from his perspective why the Japanese striker has struggled to replicate the heights of his 34-goal campaign in 2022/23.
Kettlewell stated when asked about Furuhashi’s form comparing this season to last: “I think it’s the wide areas; I don’t think it’s so much what he does. We watch all kinds of analysis preparing to play against Celtic, and you look at his movement; at times, it’s still razor sharp.
“But what Celtic we’re looking to do (last season), and I think people got confused about this and how good Kyogo was, but he’s constantly playing in that offside position, he’s always on the opposite side of the centre-backs.
“So it was the ability to penetrate beyond your wing-backs and full-backs down the side that I think brought him into the game so much. I don’t think they’ve had that, and I think that’s where he’s suffering a little bit.”
He later added: “I think he needs to be serviced from the wide areas; that idea of him pinning a centre-back in the middle area or the opposition half isn’t going to be a thing.
“It’s his speed of movement and speed of thought, but I think he’s dependent on the others around him, and I don’t think that’s been as crisp or as sharp for Celtic in spells this season.”
Kyogo Furuhashi could be crucial for Celtic in the coming weeks
Furuhashi hasn’t enjoyed his most prolific season at Celtic by any means; however, he is still our best striker by a landslide, making him someone who could be crucial over the coming weeks.
Reading between the lines, the 29-year-old usually comes up trumps where it matters, evidenced by the fact he has decided both Glasgow Derby matches in 2023/24 courtesy of two magnificent strikes that left Jack Butland with no chance.
With Ibrox on the horizon next month, Furuhashi could well prove to be the difference in a fixture that may go a long way towards deciding the title’s destination.
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