The Twitter account of the J-League has released a brilliant compilation of Kyogo Furuhashi’s goals for Vissel Kobe to recognise Scotland’s Player of the Year.
In July 2021 Celtic fans suddenly started searching for video clips and information on the 26-year-old that was clearly Ange Postecoglou’s signature signing.
Since the August 2018 transfer of Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard was effectively Celtic’s one man strike force. Leigh Griffiths dropped in and out of the team while Patryk Klimala and Vakoun Bayo showed up well short of the standard required.
Kyogo was described as a winger on many websites but once Edouard was sold to Crystal Palace he took over as Celtic’s main striker with the Frenchman quickly forgotten.
Celebrating Kyogo Furuhashi’s remarkable journey: From Vissel Kobe to Scotland’s Player of the Season! #MadeinJLEAGUE talent! ?#J30 #JLeague #PlayedInJapanWatchedByTheWorld pic.twitter.com/7BOwsyKc3a
— J.LEAGUE Official (English) (@J_League_En) May 24, 2023
The goals shown on the video are similar to many at Celtic. Playing on the shoulder of the last defender Kyogo uses his pace and instinct to find the net similar to the way he has hit 31 so far in his first full season at Celtic.
For whatever reasons Kyogo is no longer in the international plans of Hajime Moriyasu, with Celtic the beneficiaries of having a rested and motivated striker delivering numbers and crucially scoring on the big occasions.
This season Kyogo has picked up the Player of the Year Award from PFA Scotland and the SPFL, on Sunday he is expected to pick up the same award from the Scottish Football Writers Association.