The debate over Reo Hatate’s place in the Celtic starting XI has now reached a tipping point despite today’s 3-1 win over Motherwell..
While the Japanese midfielder is undeniably one of the most technically gifted players in Scotland, Hatate’s recent inconsistent performances for Celtic suggest that he is a shadow of his former self.
At some point, the midfielder’s reputation must give way to form, and Hatate’s stats in Celtic’s win at Motherwell strongly suggest a spell on the Celtic bench is required.
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Reo Hatate’s worrying Celtic stats vs Motherwell
The most glaring issue isn’t just Hatate’s lack of goals or assists; it’s the complete absence of the Celtic midfielder’s creative threat.
For years Hatate has been tasked with being the “8” who unlocks deep blocks, and his stats on Fotmob show that the Celtic star is falling short:
- Minutes played: 90
- Rating: 5.8
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Expected assists (xA): 0.07
- Accurate passes: 37/43 (86%)
- Chances created: 0
- Errors led to goal: 1
- Touches: 48
- Touches in opposition box: 2
- Passes into final third: 2
Expected Assists (xA) of 0.07 and no chances created is a damning indictment of his current form. In a system that relies on high-tempo transitions, recording only one pass into the final third and one touch in the opposition box suggests a player who is either physically fatigued or tactically disconnected from the front three.
Furthermore, Hatate’s defensive lapses are becoming a liability. While an 88% pass accuracy looks tidy on paper, it is hollowed out by his error leading to Elijah Just’s Motherwell’s goal, and that’s not the first time this season that has happened.
It’s time Reo Hatate dropped to the Celtic bench
Celtic’s midfield requires a blend of attacking threat, creativity and defensive support. Currently, Hatate is offering neither of the three.
Dropping Hatate to the bench is necessary if Martin O’Neill wants to successfully defend Celtic’s title this season.
Allowing him to impact games as a second-half substitute against tired legs might be exactly what he needs to rediscover his rhythm and confidence while sending a clear message to the squad.
Celtic starting places should be earned, not just kept because of the name on the back.
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