REO HATATE was magnificent as Celtic took on St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday afternoon. The Japanese midfielder strolled the game, and put in a top-class performance.
The range of passing from Hatate today was superb, the eye he has is wonderful and can pick out any player effortlessly.
The 24-year-old’s pass played through Haksabanovic whose ball across the goal led to Considine’s own goal.
He seemed to be all over the pitch, making some great interceptions and tackles. Although Matt O’Riley was playing the deeper role that Callum McGregor usually occupies, Hatate was helping his teammate out big time.
However, Ange decided to take Hatate off in the second half, with one eye clearly on Tuesday night’s game against RB Leipzig.
Celtic’s domination of the match, particularly in midfield, left with him and could have proven costly. Celtic struggled to get a grip of the game, and it was too early to take Hatate off.
We got away with it, just. But changing the midfield like Ange did was a mistake, and we’re lucky that no points were dropped on the road today.
