From winning the League Cup final at Rangers’ expense to watching Ange Postecoglou ball in full flow, it has been a year of more dominance and trophy-winning from Celtic.
A number of star players have stood up and played a key role in that success and 67 Hail Hail will take a look at our best three performers of 2023.
Kyogo Furuhashi
The big game player. From the brace at Hampden to scoring his first goal in the Champions League. Celtic fans have been blessed to watch the Japan star in action.
In 2023 alone, with a few games remaining, Kyogo Furuhashi has scored 27 goals under Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers.
Some will argue that the 28-year-old has been off the boil in recent months, that’s a fair argument, but class is permanent and he will come good again.
Plus, you can’t take away the great moments the quick-thinking, flash-in-the-box Kyogo Furuhashi provides in that final third because it is devastating of the highest order.
Matt O’Riley
Not just one of Celtic’s best players in 2023, but one of the most improved and someone who has taken his game to serious, serious heights.
Many believe that Matt O’Riley is the best player in Scotland right now and that’s something not many can argue against. His performances in the Champions League prove that.
Yes, the Bhoys would have been annoyed with the bottom-of-the-table finish, but from the young Danish star’s six matches, he has three assists. Not only that, his performances on the domestic scene have been outstanding.
When you can run the game in the attacking third by strolling around the pitch like you have a Playstation controller in your hand, then you are some player. But as Matt O’Riley’s assist in the win over Feyenoord proved, this guy is a class above.
Reo Hatate
Firstly, it’s harsh on Callum McGregor that he hasn’t been picked. Mr Reliable and Mir Consistent quietly does the work, whilst the rest thrive. And Reo Hatate is proof of that.
Look, he is just a sheer joy to watch, that’s why he had to get picked! Even if there have been spells on the sidelines with injury.
What’s great about the 26-year-old is the fact that he plays with this swagger. He likes to show the ball, no matter how congested it is in the middle of the pitch.
You could argue that during this troublesome period for Celtic, Reo Hatate’s presence in the middle of the park has been missed. And dare it be said, if he was able to complete that Atletico Madrid game in the Champions League, then it would have been three points instead of just one.
But alongside Matt O’Riley, the other Celtic player who is just a joy to watch when he is on the ball is Reo Hatate himself.
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