Ange Postecoglou has issued an unwavering verdict on Kyogo Furuhashi insisting the Celtic striker is a great addition for the Scottish Premiership, via quotes by the Daily Record.
Furuhashi has come in for criticism of late from pundits accusing the striker of theatrics.
The Japan star seemed to go to ground easily in the Hoops’ win over Hearts last week. But he later appeared to be carrying an injury to his midriff after the incident with John Souttar.
Yet pundits have been critical of Furuhashi over a sense that the Celtic star has exaggerated incidents. He also went down easily after an incident with Livingston defender Ayo Obileye in October and Dundee last month to add flames to the fire.
But Postecoglou insists £18k-a-week forward Furuhashi has been a great addition to the Premiership since Celtic paid Vissel Kobe £4.5m for his transfer to Glasgow this July.
“I would be very surprised if any people who love football, irrespective of who they support, don’t think Kyogo is great for this competition,” Postecoglou said.
“He is certainly great for our football club. Our supporters love him, which is the most important thing, even for the competition. He’s exciting to watch. He’s trying to improve every day, he’s a great guy to have around [and] he’s an absolute gentleman.”
Furuhashi has been sensational with the ball for Celtic
Furuhashi went down inside the Livingston box in October after Obileye struck the Celtic striker on the back of the head in response to a slight shove from the 26-year-old.
He also went to ground off the ball against Dundee after seeking contact with a defender inside the box. But the 12-cap dynamo has been sensational with the ball at his feet.
Furuhashi has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 23 games across all competitions for Celtic so far. Eight of his goals and two assists have also come in 13 Premiership games.
Only Motherwell’s Tony Watt has scored more goals (9) in the Premiership so far this term. But he and Aberdeen’s eight-goal man Christian Ramirez have both played 17 times.
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