Hajime Moriyasu has explained his reasoning for leaving Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi out of his squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Colombia.
While Daizen Maeda, a World Cup goalscorer, packs his bags two of his club team-mates will work away at Lennoxtown next week with the SPFL clash away to Ross County on their mind.
The Japanese trio have been among the most prominent players in Ange Postecoglou’s squad but it seems that Maeda is the only one fitting into the plans of the international team.
“In order to do that we’re taking a wide view of how to build the team… as I think we all agree, (Reo & Kyogo) would absolutely be able to contribute to the team, but this time I wanted to try out some different players and that’s why they weren’t selected.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
Quoting Moriyasu, Orlowitz tweeted:
I’ve watched all of Celtic’s games and seen what they’ve accomplished and their presence in the team. But there’s no bar to clear to be called up; it’s a comprehensive decision.
We think about the level of the league and various other factors when making the decision. For this squad we focused on the squad from Qatar as well as some new players. There will be other call-ups. As I said, we’re trying to build strongest team possible ahead of 2026.
In order to do that we’re taking a wide view of how to build the team… as I think we all agree, (Reo & Kyogo) would absolutely be able to contribute to the team, but this time I wanted to try out some different players and that’s why they weren’t selected
While it helps to have two key players in Scotland over the next couple of weeks projecting players into international football should be one of the attractions to joining Celtic.
With the SPFL failing to excite Moriyasu it places more emphasis on Hatate and Kyogo to make an impact in the Champions League to force their claim for international recognition.
