The season just past was one of ups and downs for Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate.
The Japanese maestro spent much of the campaign on the sidelines but towards the end of it, he returned from injury to make an impactful mark.
Hatate rose from the medical table on easter sunday away at Livingston, putting in an outstanding performance in a crucial 3-0 win.
He started the remaining nine games in all competitions from that point on, registering three assists and one goal as he more than proved his worth to Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The difference the 26-year-old makes to the team can be seen in the champions’ run-in form when he returned.
The creativity he brings to the engine room is next to none and when he is on form, few midfielders in Scotland can match Hatate.
Despite being a key player for Celtic, the double-winner rarely gets the opportunity to impress for his country.
Indeed, in Japan’s two games over the past week, Hatate played just 45 minutes.
His season has now officially ended and since, he has posted on Instagram, thanking fans of his club and country for their support, while vowing to improve for 2024/25:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Hl9IcyDbk/?igsh=bHZjMzdnaGQxZHh5
Despite winning a double and earning a new long-term Celtic contract, 2023/24 was rather frustrating for Hatate.
With a full pre-season behind him, though, he will look to improve and gain more consistency – in both fitness and performance – for the new campaign.
