Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was quick to lavish praise on Hoops striker Kyogo Furuhashi after this afternoon’s match.

Rodgers emphasised that he values Furuhashi’s ability to play intelligently within the space rather than solely focusing on scoring goals.

He said: (Glasgow World), “I don’t need him scoring 40 goals.

“It took him a bit of time to understand that for me, it isn’t always on the last line. For me, I want him to play the space rather than the position.

“The modern game, especially when you have man-to-man marking, it creates that possibility on the inside. If your midfielders are creating space, the obvious pass is through the middle. You need the striker to be available and not running away from the ball.

“I think he is playing the space really well. He should have scored today, but don’t blame him, he is playing really well. It’s a shame, his shoulder popped out I think. He had an awkward fall, I don’t need to risk him.”

Rodgers’ patience and understanding that goals are not everything with strikers is certainly valid.

However, Kyogo Furuhashi has been wasteful in front of goal in recent games.

Adam Idah Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 25, 2024 Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates with the trophy after winning the Scottish Cup Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

With the potential signing of Adam Idah from Norwich City, the Japanese striker might need to stay sharp and competitive.

While Kyogo’s link-up play has certainly improved, he needs to rediscover the killer instinct that he previously demonstrated in his first two seasons at the club.

1 COMMENT

  1. Looking a much better all round player kyogo this season imo?
    Sure the goals will start to flow for kyogo, and it’s not been for the lack of chances that has come his way either?
    The was many games last season, that you would have to question if kyogo was even playing, so quiet was his involvement?
    Not the case whatsoever currently on show, as some of his link up play has been brilliant, and adding that extra dimension to his game, has made kyogo an even better player imo?
    But all strikers want to be scoring goals also, and kyogo would be no different in that regards either?
    Disappointed for kyogo as his displays have deserved a goal or 2 already imo?
    Things will become easier for him also when idah is signed and his work load will be reduced also?
    Still remain confident that kyogo will still be our top goalscorer over the course of the season imo?

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