There aren’t many players better to watch on their day than Reo Hatate.
The Celtic maverick is a key starter for Brendan Rodgers, and the man who stands alongside captain Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, with Arne Engels trying to make his way up as the third and upcoming midfielder.
The Celtic Park faithful have Ange Postecoglou a lot to thank for because he was the one who brought Hatate to Scotland.
It’s a prime example of why the club’s recruitment is outstanding because the Japan star arrived as an unknown figure from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022, before transforming into one of the best in the country.
Whether it be under Postecoglou or now Rodgers, Hatate is one of the first names on the teamsheet, but Chris Sutton shared some interesting comments about the player.
Chris Sutton says Reo Hatate hasn’t progressed at Celtic
As Hatate proved in the Champions League this season, especially against RB Leipzig, when he is on it, he is perhaps the best to watch out of everyone within the squad.
But Sutton interestingly claimed that the 27-year-old hasn’t progressed during his time at the club, but not in the way you think.
The legendary striker feels that Hatate has just continued to be ‘pretty consistent’ for the champions rather than improve, as he told Sky Sports Football (26/04/25).
On whether Hatate should get the big headlines like the main players: “I think he is that important,” responded Sutton. “I think, this season, it’s his best goalscoring season.
“In truth, when he first came to the club, I thought he was a phenomenal player. I don’t know whether he has actually really progressed or got better. I think he has been a pretty consistent performer.
“Last season, he was hampered by injury. I always feel he is one of those players, when he is in the team, then I am more confident of Celtic creating opportunities.”
This is Hatate’s best goalscoring campaign at Celtic so far, with nine Premiership strikes to his name, and he has a chance to hit double figures before the season is out.
His previous best was netting six during the 2022/23 season, when he also supplied his highest number of assists with eight.
Sometimes, the numbers don’t do Hatate justice, in regard to what he brings to the table on a regular basis, with WhoScored rating his performances.
