Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate continued his superb pre-season form with an excellent goal against Legia Warsaw in Artur Boruc’s testimonial yesterday evening.
The Japanese international scored the opener in the 2-2 draw with a well-timed volley with his right foot:
🇯🇵 Reo Hatate opens the scoring vs Legia Warsaw ⚽
What a finish 🔥🤤pic.twitter.com/C5HpwQ3PpJ
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) July 20, 2022
Supporters on Twitter were waxing lyrical about Hatate’s performances and some are predicting that the 24-year-old could have a great campaign when the Scottish Premiership kicks off at the end of the month:
He’s a top talent for sure 👍🍀
— mr E (@Dante_gamingx) July 20, 2022
He’s been on fire. Seems the rest was all he needed after a season and a half non stop.
— Frank Spencer (@FrankSp52492559) July 20, 2022
Him mcgregor and oriley 3 cm for sure
— mr E (@Dante_gamingx) July 20, 2022
Genuinely believe we are yet to see the best of all the Japanese players.
— Martin Clarke Campbell (@Miverick) July 21, 2022
That is magnificent
— Max (@Max____67) July 20, 2022
what a finish man
— James Hastings (@James_hastings0) July 20, 2022
It’s probably best not to get too carried away with Hatate’s form as pre-season matches can be somewhat misleading. However, there is no doubt that the midfielder is looking like he is back to his best.
After arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in January, he started like a house on fire but fatigue meant he struggled to maintain his level as the campaign drew to a close. It seems as though an extended break has done him a world of good and fans are now keen to see him hit his straps on a regular basis once more.