It’s been a bright start to the season for Celtic.
As their rivals drop points left, right and centre, Brendan Rodgers’ side have picked up maximum points from their first two games.
Celtic beat Aberdeen 2-0 in a game where the star of the show was, of course, Benjamin Nygren.
It’s fair to say that Nygren has been a revelation since arriving and is the latest in the long line of successful Swedish players to represent Celtic.
Several others have caught the eye, but there is one who has perhaps gone under the radar.
- READ MORE: ‘He’s a player’ – Brendan Rodgers picks out Celtic hero vs Aberdeen as boos ring out at Pittodrie
Reo Hatate has been excellent for Celtic
Reo Hatate has evolved from a player who was a raw talent into a truly exceptional midfielder.
All eyes have been on his midfield partners Callum McGregor and Nygren so far, but Hatate has been equally brilliant.
His goal against Aberdeen epitomised everything he is about with a beautiful effort that clipped off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
As always, Hatate’s passing has been effective, with FotMob revealing that 78 per cent of his passes have been accurate this season.
The 27-year-old is now in his fourth season with the club and has improved year-on-year after he registered 21 goal contributions across the 2024/25 campaign.
| Reo Hatate stats 25/26 | |
| Games | 2 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Successful passes | 85 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Touches | 124 |
Keeping Reo Hatate is another win for Celtic
Of all the players who could leave Celtic, Hatate is one of those who would be very difficult to replace.
Udinese were linked to Hatate but no approach has been made, nor has the Japan international said anything about wanting to leave.
For all of the business done by the Hoops, keeping the midfielder at Celtic Park is as important as any of the new additions brought to the club.
He and McGregor have been the pillar of the midfield trio for some time now and having that spine of the side as strong as it has been is something that has been key to Celtic’s success.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
