Keisuke Honda makes huge claim about Celtic star Kyogo

It is safe to say that Kyogo Furuhashi has already made his mark at Celtic since arriving earlier in the summer. We have seen Ange Postecoglou’s side struggle in his absence and there is no doubt that he is one of the Hoops’ most important players right now. That is what makes his role in the Japan national team a bit baffling.

Coming in, there were a lot of doubts about whether Kyogo could succeed in Scottish football due to its physicality. Not only has he succeeded, but he has succeeded while playing as a striker.

Of course, he is not a physical presence in the box. But his movement is absolutely incredible and that is why, he finds himself in the right place at the right time more often than not.

It has been a different picture when it comes to the Japan national team though. Kyogo has often been left on the bench and has featured on the wings when he has come on. Keisuke Honda has questioned the decision and has claimed the Celtic star would be his first pick in the team. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Japanese football legend said:

"“It’s clear we are a better team with Kyogo Furuhashi in it and not just in it, but playing as a striker.“For me, he would have been the key to success when we played Australia, but he didn’t even start.“He is very fast, can score goals and causes many problems for defences. He would be my first pick in the Japanese team.“I have no idea why he hasn’t been more utilised in his favourite position for Japan, You would have to ask the coach that.”"

Kyogo has been absolutely brilliant for Celtic since arriving in the summer

Kyogo was brought off the bench for the Japan national team in both their games in this international break, against Saudi Arabia and Australia, respectively. He came on at around the hour mark both times.

And while he should feature more for his national team, this was a positive for Celtic, all things considered.

Kyogo had picked up an injury while representing the Japan national team in the previous international break and had only returned to action just a couple of weeks back. Thus, it is a massive boost for Celtic that he did not pick up any fitness issue this time around and got a decent bit of football into his legs as well.