Kyogo Furuhashi has been a pivotal player for Celtic since arriving nearly four years ago, but this season, his performances have come under scrutiny in some quarters.

Despite remaining Celtic’s primary goal threat, a narrative has emerged online suggesting the Japanese international is “off the boil” and perhaps not suited to Brendan Rodgers’ tactical preferences.

This narrative has emerged with some even happy to see the wee man potentially sold without a second thought. However, the Celtic manager has put those claims firmly to bed ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash against Young Boys.

Speaking directly to CeltsArehere, Rodgers praised Kyogo’s versatility but made it clear the striker is central to his plans. “Kyogo is an exceptional player with great flexibility, and while he’s shown he can operate out wide, his best position is as a central striker,” Rodgers stated.

He went on to refute any notion that Kyogo doesn’t fit his system: “The one thing I always say about Kyogo is that he’s the prototype of what I want in a striker. His pressing is incredible—the speed and energy he brings when pressing opponents is unmatched. He works tirelessly, and his movement off the ball, his touch, and his awareness are absolutely top-class.”

Kyogo Furuhashi Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi in action REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The Celtic boss also highlighted Kyogo’s adaptability, mentioning his ability to play out wide, though he reiterated that the forward is at his best leading the line. “For me, his best position, and where he can be most effective, is right through the middle,”

Kyogo Key to Celtic’s Champions League Hopes

The timing of Rodgers’ comments couldn’t be more significant, with Celtic standing on the cusp of history. A win against Young Boys on Wednesday night could see the Hoops secure qualification for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since the 2012/13 season. Such an achievement would mark a massive milestone under Rodgers in his second spell at the club.

Kyogo is expected to spearhead the attack in front of a packed Celtic Park, where the atmosphere will be electric. If the striker can find his sharpness in front of goal, he could be the difference on the night.

Celtic fans will no doubt take encouragement from Rodgers’ faith in his star man. As the manager has made clear, Kyogo is not just part of his plans—he is at the very heart of them. All eyes now turn to Wednesday, where the striker will have the perfect opportunity to silence any doubters in the biggest match of the season so far.

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