"Celtic’s Secret Weapon: "Reo Hatate’s Bold Promise: How He Plans to Take Celtic to New Heights"

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Reo Hatate’s Ambitious Plans: Celtic Midfielder Aims to Unveil His ‘Special Side’ After Stellar Start

Reo Hatate is making waves at Celtic with a phenomenal start to the season, and he’s eager to reveal even more of his ‘special side.’ The Japanese midfielder has been instrumental in Celtic’s early success, but he’s not resting on his laurels. Hatate’s ambitions extend beyond his impressive club performances, as he seeks to cement his place in both domestic and international football.

A Stellar Start to the Season

Hatate has kicked off the 2024/25 season in sensational fashion. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, he has been a key player in Celtic’s unblemished start to the Scottish Premiership, scoring two goals in four matches. His performances have not only demonstrated his attacking prowess but also his ability to adapt and excel in various midfield roles.

Hatate’s versatility was a hallmark of his career development at Juntendo University and Kawasaki Frontale, where he played multiple positions before finding his stride as a creative and attacking midfielder. This adaptability has been crucial in Celtic’s campaign as he continues to impress fans and critics alike with his performances.

Seeking to Unveil His ‘Special Side’

Despite his promising start, Hatate is determined to push his limits further. In an interview with Japanese outlet Gekisaka, he expressed his desire to enhance his game and showcase a ‘special side’ that could elevate his performances to new heights. He stated:

“In that sense, I think it would be good if I could make that my strength and bring out even more of my special side. I don’t know if that’s playing around the penalty area. But I think it would be good to have more of that. I play in the No.8 position. Numbers are being asked of me. That’s also something that my team is working on. I don’t know if that will be my special part, but, of course, it’s important to get in front of the goal. I want to keep that in mind.”

Hatate’s focus on improving his goal-scoring contributions and his role in the midfield reflects his commitment to personal growth and his determination to be a standout performer for Celtic.

From Versatility to Specialization

Throughout his career, Hatate has been known for his versatility. Early in his professional journey, he played as a full-back for Kawasaki Frontale. This experience, combined with his time under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, where he was occasionally used as a right-back, has shaped his comprehensive understanding of various positions on the field.

However, as he continues to establish himself as a creative force in midfield, Hatate is keen to specialize further in his role. He acknowledges the importance of not only adapting to different roles but also honing his skills in his primary position to make a significant impact.

National Team Aspirations

While Hatate is making strides at Celtic, he is also focused on securing a consistent spot in Japan’s national team. Despite his impressive club form, he was left out of the matchday squad for Japan’s World Cup 2026 qualifying match against China. Hatate remains optimistic and is working hard to earn his place:

“I’m doing everything I can. All I can do is wait,” Hatate remarked before the game.

Hatate’s goal is to contribute meaningfully to Japan’s campaign and secure a spot in the final squad for the World Cup. His experience with the national team during the last World Cup qualification campaign has been valuable, and he is determined to build on it.

Looking Ahead

As Celtic gears up for their Champions League campaign alongside their domestic challenges, Hatate’s role will be crucial in their pursuit of success on multiple fronts. His ability to deliver on both the domestic and European stages will be vital for Celtic’s aspirations.

Hatate’s journey from versatile player to a specialized midfielder is a testament to his dedication and hard work. With his eyes set on both club and international glory, he is poised to make an even more significant impact in the coming months.

Source: Daily Record

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