Celtic lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League on Thursday night, but James McFadden and Pat Bonner offered glowing praise for Kyogo Furuhashi on BBC Sportsound.
Ange Postecoglou awarded Furuhashi his debut appearance in the group stage against the Bundesliga outfit. The Hoop’s £4.5m summer signing from Vissel Kobe had missed the clash with Real Betis after sustaining a knee injury.
Furuhashi has appeared to be Celtic’s main man at times since his arrival at Parkhead from Japan’s J1 League. He has struck home seven goals and offered one assist over 10 outings, but could not add to his record on Thursday night.
Yet, despite Bayer Leverkusen beating Celtic to leave Postecoglou’s side six-points from progressing, Furuhashi stunned Bonner and McFadden. The 26-year-old left the ex-Bhoys goalkeeper and Scotland forward respectively in awe of his movement and decisive runs.
“Kyogo is constantly on the move,” McFadden said (30/9, 19:53). “He makes his runs with purpose,hHe presses from the front, too. And he is the trigger of Celtic’s press. he allows [Tom] Rogic and [David] Turnbull to be where they need to be too. He is massive for them.”
He later added (20:22): “Kyogo’s movement was absolutely sensational. He’s in a good area and he should score. The goalie did well too. But wow, what movement it is from Kyogo.”
Bonner also lauded Furuhashi’s movement against Bayer Leverkusen, with the five-time Premiership title-winner with Celtic likewise believing the eight-cap international was key.
“It’s that movement from Kyogo again,” Bonner said (21:07). “[Lukas] Hradecky gets his fingertips to it magnificently. But, again, Kyogo’s movement is key.”
Was Furuhashi Celtic’s silver lining amid glowing Bonner and McFadden praise?
Joe Hart produced a few impressive saves to stop Bayer Leverkusen from extending their advantage at Parkhead on Thursday night. But Furuhashi certainly impressed, with his movement that Bonner and McFadden praised opening avenues for Celtic to attack.
The Japan forward was constantly trying to break the Leverkusen lines and pose a threat to Hradecky in goal. He spurned some opportunities to fire past the Finnish shot-stopper, but again proved his importance to Postecoglou.
Postecoglou will hope Furuhashi has now overcome his injury after making his return to the Celtic side against Die Werkself. Having missed three Premiership fixtures, plus the Hoops’ meeting with Real Betis and a League Cup clash with Raith Rovers.
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