Celtic have been gaining momentum after their recent performances, especially in the Champions League, which has boosted morale at Parkhead.
After a heavy 7-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, the atmosphere was quite bleak, and fans were feeling disheartened. At that time, there were several discussions about which players should be starting under Brendan Rodgers.
Matt O’Riley’s summer move to Brighton intensified the competition for starting spots, particularly in midfield. The arrival of Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal and the big-money signing of Arne Engels raised questions about who would partner Callum McGregor in the midfield.
Initially, it seemed like McGregor and Reo Hatate would be the main pairing, but even Hatate’s place was being questioned not long ago. However, as Gordon Dalziel pointed out, those doubts have now subsided.
Celtic’s victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League was one of their finest performances in recent years. While Nicolas Kuhn earned praise for his brace, Hatate’s contribution was also exceptional, with some considering him the best player on the pitch. Dalziel praised Hatate’s quality, calling him ‘class.’
Dalziel also remarked that people in Scotland tend to judge players too quickly, using Kuhn’s early struggles as an example. Despite initial doubts about Kuhn’s potential after his January arrival, Dalziel highlighted that it takes time for players to settle, which often gets overlooked.
Hatate’s form this season is proof that quality endures, and even on his off days, he’s still a player who can turn a game with a moment of brilliance. To succeed in the Champions League, Celtic will need Hatate performing at his best. According to WhoScored, he’s been solid in the competition with an average rating of 7.03 and 1.3 key passes per game.
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