Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda both starred on their Celtic debuts as Ange Postecoglou’s side eased to a 2-0 win over Hibernian. Celtic fans were full of praise for both, stunned at just how good Hatate was in midfield.
Hatate, 24, joined Celtic as Postecoglou brought in three Celtic players at the start of the window – in the form of Maeda, Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi. It comes after Kyogo Furuhashi has sparkled, since his move to Japan.
On Monday night, £1million (Sun) signing Hatate started in a midfield three alongside Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic. The four-time Japan star supported front three Maeda, Liel Abada and James Forrest in attack.
It took Maeda just a few minutes to open his Celtic account, giving Postecoglou’s men the lead. Played in by Rogic, he finished first time – sending Hibs goalkeeper Matt Macey the wrong way from eight yards.
Abada then won a penalty on 25 minutes and it was duly converted by Croatia international Josip Juranovic. While both new Celtic signings impressed, Hatate looked as though he had been playing for Celtic for years.
What are Celtic fans saying about Hatate, after debut?
The win sees Celtic close the gap on Gio van Bronckhorst’s Rangers to just three points – but the Gers have a game in hand. Rangers travel to Pittodrie to take on Aberdeen on Tuesday night.
His work rate, ball control and passing were superb – offering plenty of energy in midfield. Hatate was replaced by Ideguchi on 74 minutes, after a stunning performance in midfield – and Celtic fans have reacted on Twitter.
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