All of the things that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stated to the press before to the team’s journey to Perth to play St Johnstone…
Since returning to Celtic as manager in 2023, Brendan Rodgers has been reacquainting himself with the squad and assessing how each player fits into his vision for the club’s future. While several key figures have risen to prominence, there is one player who has surprised Rodgers the most—both with his on-field aggression and his relentless work rate. This player, now described by Rodgers as “snarling,” has become a driving force in Celtic’s midfield, embodying the kind of passion that has both inspired teammates and left opponents reeling.
The identity of this player may surprise some: Reo Hatate.
Hatate has been with Celtic since January 2022, and though he quickly made a name for himself under former manager Ange Postecoglou, it’s under Rodgers that he has truly come into his own. Known for his technical ability, vision, and quick feet, Hatate’s development has taken an unexpected turn in recent months. Rodgers has been taken aback by the Japanese midfielder’s newly discovered tenacity on the pitch, which has added an aggressive edge to his game that wasn’t as evident before.
“Reo’s attitude and approach in training have always been top class,” Rodgers said in a recent interview. “But what’s really surprised me is this snarling aggression that’s crept into his play. He’s not just a creator anymore; he’s a battler.”
Rodgers’ description of Hatate as “snarling” captures the intensity with which the 26-year-old has been playing. This newfound aggression has transformed him into a more complete midfielder. Not only is Hatate pressing high up the pitch and breaking up play, but he’s also become more combative in challenges, adding a physical dimension to his skillset.
Under Rodgers’ watchful eye, Hatate has shown a willingness to get stuck into tackles, press with intensity, and drive forward with the ball while maintaining the creativity he’s known for. His dynamism has been instrumental in keeping Celtic’s midfield ticking, especially during high-pressure games against rivals like Rangers
Rodgers has often spoken about the importance of midfielders who can control the tempo of the game but also break up the opposition’s rhythm when necessary. Hatate, with his newfound grit, has emerged as one of those crucial players. The ability to both shield the defense and launch attacks has added a new dimension to Celtic’s play, making the team more unpredictable and harder to break down.
The transformation isn’t just about physicality. Hatate has also exhibited a sharper mental edge, playing with more aggression and confidence in high-stakes moments. His improvement has made him an undroppable figure in Rodgers’ line-ups, and his versatility has allowed him to adapt to different tactical setups, whether Celtic are pressing high or sitting deeper to soak up pressure.
Rodgers is no stranger to nurturing talent and bringing the best out of his players, and in Hatate, he sees a player who is evolving in exactly the way he envisions for Celtic’s future.
“I love that fire in him now,” Rodgers explained. “It’s something we need in this team. You can’t just play pretty football in this league—you have to be willing to fight, and Reo’s embraced that side of his game.”
Hatate’s snarling aggression has not gone unnoticed by Celtic’s fans either. His newfound drive has earned him plaudits from supporters who appreciate his work ethic, intensity, and willingness to leave everything on the pitch. His development symbolizes Rodgers’ broader mission at Celtic—building a team that combines technical quality with mental toughness.
As Celtic navigate domestic competitions and European campaigns, Hatate’s evolution under Rodgers could be a critical factor in determining their success. His ability to strike a balance between aggression and creativity could prove vital in tough fixtures, especially as Celtic aim to dominate in Scotland and make an impact on the European stage.
For Rodgers, the surprise of Hatate’s transformation is a pleasant one, offering Celtic a robust midfield presence they might not have fully expected. The snarling, aggressive side of Reo Hatate’s game has made him one of the standout players in the squad and a pivotal figure in Rodgers’ tactical setup.
Hatate’s journey from a technically gifted playmaker to a snarling, all-action midfielder could well be one of the defining stories of this new era at Celtic Park. And for Rodgers, it’s just the kind of unexpected surprise that could fuel Celtic’s success in the months and years to come.
Read more at;https://sportupdates.co.uk
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