KYOGO FURUHASHI was announced to be a Celtic player in the early hours of the morning in the summer window.
There was no hint to suggest that a deal was in the works that would see the Japanese striker switch from Japan to Scotland – but it was done so quickly and he was soon on his way.
Kyogo’s name wasn’t known in Scotland at all when he arrived, but it’s certainly known now. The manager very much in that same boat as his striker.
Kyogo was superb from the beginning; In his first start for Celtic, he bagged a hat trick and could’ve and should’ve had more.
The threat that the former Visel Kobe man provides is brilliant. The quality oozes out of him. Probably, his finest goal of the season was at Hampden. The ball was played over the top, and he spectacularly lobbed the keeper to win Celtic their first trophy in the Ange Postecoglou era.
After receiving a call up to the Japanese national team again, he’s lifted the lid on his first season in Scotland and made an honest admission about the growing up he still has to do; [Soccer King]
“It seemed like it was a long year, but it ended so quickly, so it was very fulfilling, but I think I still have a lot of work to do. I realized that I still have a lot of growing up to do.
“As I played the games, I had a sense that my strengths were working. I am able to score goals because many players connect with me in front of the goal.
“I, myself am only in a position to score goals by receiving passes, so I am grateful for the support of those around me.
“I think my strength lies in my ability to get through the back, my tactics in front of the goal, and my sense of smell for the goal, so I want to express that [with Japan].”
Despite his injuries this season, keeping him out for a couple of games in the first six months, he then pulled up with a hamstring injury that seen him sidelined for four months, he still managed to score 20 goals in his maiden season.
