With three goals in four Celtic appearances the midfield play of Reo Hatate has provided an unexpected bonus as Ange Postecoglou’s side hit top spot in the SPFL Premiership.
Two goals in Wednesday’s Glasgow derby has assured the 25-year-old a special place in the hearts of the Celtic support on the back of a thunderbolt at Tynecastle that turned a difficult away day in Celtic’s direction.
Settling in time appears to have been minimal for Hatate with playing football and scoring goals clearly an international language.
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?Why he can get even better this seasonOur exclusive interview with Celtic’s Reo Hatate ahead of Motherwell vs Celtic – live on Sky Sports from 1pm? pic.twitter.com/dycRPWzqBF
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 6, 2022
Of course, I’m very happy with these statistics. But I’m more pleased I managed to live up the expectations of both the manager and the team. It made me feel like I was already part of the team.
I’m happy that I scored goals in the first place but I particularly like the second goal, I like how I found the open space and ran towards it.
As I always want to be in a place where I can pass, dribble or shoot. With the shot itself, I was able to keep my composure as well. That’s why I like the second goal the most
Hatate’s arrival and impact has been perfectly timed with the team-sheet away to St Johnstone in the last match of 2021 down to the bare bones.
At Motherwell today Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are back in contention with some big decisions in front of Postecoglou as he looks to reinforce Celtic’s position at the top of the table.
Hatate arrived billed as a utility man but quickly he looks to have established himself as a first pick as Postecoglou reinforces his blueprint on the squad he inherited in disarray.
It must be a great feeling for these players to be happy the way they have been welcomed into our family.