James McFadden loves ‘outstanding’ Ange Postecoglou signing at Celtic who ‘comes in for criticism’
Amir Mir
3 – 4 minutes
Brendan Rodgers has been pretty critical of his Celtic players in recent weeks.
It’s a strange thing to say because Celtic are closing in on the Premiership title and have looked streets ahead of everyone else this season.
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On top of that, Celtic are also on course for the Treble, but in order to maintain those high standards, you need to be as critical as anything at any time.
That was certainly the case post-St. Johnstone, with Rodgers the biggest critic of them all, as many players were put under the spotlight.
One of the players who came under fire from the Celtic Park faithful was Reo Hatate, but he was back to his best against Kilmarnock.
READ MORE: Five things we learned as Celtic earn thumping win against Kilmarnock
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
James McFadden lauds Celtic star Reo Hatate
James McFadden wanted to give Hatate his flowers for his brace against Killie, including his first strike that opened the scoring for Celtic.
It was Hatate at his best, but despite the Japan star ‘coming in for criticism’, McFadden made it clear that he is a player who has ‘outstanding’ quality, as he told Sky Sports Football (12/04/25).
McFadden wanted to highlight what the Ange Postecoglou signing does specifically that makes him a top player within this trophy-laden Celtic team.
“We know this is the quality that he has,” said McFadden on Hatate’s opening goal against Killie. “At times, he can come in for criticism, like all players.
“I think his technique, his ability to change and control the tempo of the games, for me, is outstanding.
“That goal was special. Opens up. Speed in the game. Little one-two. He knows exactly what he is doing, before it comes to him, to get it out of his feet and execute that strike. It was a wonderful strike.”
Hatate’s stats for Celtic vs Kilmarnock
Two goals and an assist. Hatate was a key reason why the champions-elect ripped Kilmarnock apart, including four goals inside half an hour.
You do wonder where all of this was against St Johnstone, but at the end of the day, the reaction was brilliant and positive.
Overall, WhoScored rated Hatate’s performance against Killie at 8.83, higher than any of his teammates.
Goals Assists Key Passes Accurate Long Balls Dribbles Clearances Touches Rating
2 1 1 1 1 1 88 8.83
