The Celtic player who looked back to his best despite Aberdeen draw as fans reckon he’s ‘cut above the rest’

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Playing for Celtic is a high-pressure job.

The Hoops have started their season incredibly well and are unbeaten in eight with just one draw which came last weekend at home to Aberdeen.

It was a difficult afternoon for supporters of the Parkhead club to process having stormed into a first-half lead before capitulating after the break.

It started off brightly with Brendan Rodgers‘ side creating a handful of chances and Arne Engels rather unfortunate not to hit the back of the net at least once.

• READ MORE: Celtic player ratings so far in season 2024/25 as one summer signing outshines Reo Hatate

But it was another player – a midfield star – who produced what was a man of the match performance before he’d eventually be subbed off.

Reo Hatate was the man who shone for the club with his passing ability on full display as well as his finishing for the first goal of the game.

It was a sweeping strike from Kyogo’s assist and the 26-year-old also had a major hand in his teammate’s goal as he almost completed a brace of his own in the build-up.

It has been one of those seasons for Hatate so far.

At times he has struggled to match the pace of games. His workrate can rarely be questioned but he has seemed to some as being off the boil a tad by his own high standards.

Reo Hatate was man of the match for Celtic against Aberdeen

Questions had been asked with some punters even demanding Luke McCowan come into the fold in his place.

Saturday’s showing certainly silenced the doubters. Hatate was everywhere, pulling the strings and influencing the proceedings before he was brought off early by Rodgers.

It was arguably his best of the season – perhaps beaten by Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League – and his performance had fans purring.

One took to social media to say: “Reo Hatate was very good in that first, never wasted a pass, always creates an extra yard of space for himself, and absolutely clinical with his finish to open the scoring.”

Fans have been calling for Luke McCowan to be given his chance

Another added: “Hatate without doubt on his game is our best midfielder just lacks consistency at times”.

One wrote: “A bit like Rogic for me, he’s burst after 60mims regardless of his quality and that creativity he brings.”

A fourth added: “This team cannot afford to leave Reo Hatate on the bench…..he’s a level above”.

Hatate has managed two goals and one assist in his 11 outings this season so far but now has the likes of Paulo Bernardo breathing down his neck for a start.