Motherwell midfielder Stephen O’Donnell expressed his respect for Celtic’s Reo Hatate, citing the Japanese player as a challenging opponent on the field.
Celtic have missed the Japanese midfielder this season as he’s struggled with multiple injuries. But, he’s been back for a few matches now and is starting to return to the player Celtic fans have been deprived of watching this season.
During the Go Radio Football Show, O’Donnell praised Hatate’s robust return to form following a stint sidelined by injury.
“He’s a problem,” O’Donnell stated. “He’s got loads of energy, loads of quality, kind of both-footed. Not too dissimilar to Matt O’Reilly in how he can receive the ball.”
O’Donnell acknowledged that while Matt O’Reilly might have a slight edge in terms of end product, Hatate’s overall impact makes him a formidable presence, “I think maybe Matt has got maybe a wee bit more of an end product, but he’s [Hatate] a very good footballer and he’s been a great signing for Celtic.”
With five matches of the season left, Hatate is going to be a big player for the Hoops, with his quality, particularly in the final third, needed as Celtic look to kick on and win the league and defend the Scottish Cup at the end of the month.
The first of the final five matches of the season in on Saturday, when Hearts travel to Celtic Park.
