Incredible Reo Hatate claim after Celtic masterclass vs Rangers

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 29: Reo Hatate of Celtic in action during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 29, 2022 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 29: Reo Hatate of Celtic in action during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 29, 2022 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Heading into the Glasgow Derby, everybody expected a tight game and not many would have predicted Celtic to walk out of Parkhead with a dominant 3-0 victory. But that is exactly what happened. Ange Postecoglou’s side completely blew the Rangers away in the first half and could have easily scored five or six, if not for some good saves from Allan McGregor on the day.

One man that Celtic had to thank for the win was Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder was absolutely superb against the Rangers, scoring twice from distance and setting up Liel Abada for the third as well.

As far as Glasgow Derby debuts go, Hatate’s one was as good as it gets. And he is already proving to be an absolute transfer masterstroke on the part of Celtic.

Incredibly, Postecoglou expects Hatate to get even better moving forward and believes he is not fit enough yet. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Celtic manager said about the Japanese star:

"“Reo is not fit enough yet, he has a lot of work to do and still has improvement to do but I knew what I was getting he is a quality player.“Tonight he showed his temperament as well because on the big occasion when he needed to he had the quality.”"

Postecoglou makes incredible Hatate claim after Celtic masterclass vs Rangers

Hatate was absolutely superb against the Rangers and has been excellent overall since joining Celtic in January. And it is very exciting to think that he might get even better moving forward. It is safe to say that the Hoops made the right decision by signing him from Kawasaki Frontale.

The 3-0 win over the Rangers sent Celtic to the top of the Scottish Premiership table after a long time.

We are in the beginning of February though and there is still a lot of league football to be played this season. The aim is to be at the top after the 38 games have all been played.

Thus, Celtic must continue to put in these performances moving forward. There are 14 matches left to be played in the Premiership in 2021/22 including a couple of Glasgow Derbies.

light. Must Read. Celtic manager reveals what Callum McGregor told him before Derby