Celtic hero blown away by the club’s January signing

Celtic have made a lot of additions during the time of Ange Postecoglou as manager, and understandably so, as the club needed a squad overhaul when he arrived. Even in this January transfer window, they went on to add four players to their ranks in the form of Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Out of them, Johnston has immediately become the starter, with Josip Juranovic leaving for Union Berlin last month. There is another player who has impressed with his performances though.

Kobayashi has featured in two matches till now, playing the full 90 minutes on both occasions. And in both those games, Celtic ended up keeping clean sheets.

It looks like Kobayashi impressed immensely with his individual display as well. Frank McAvennie had very positive things to say about the January signing. As reported by Football Insider, the former Celtic star said:

"“I think the Kobayashi has been outstanding.“He just looks so comfortable on the ball.“He is a left-sided player which means that Starfelt can go over to his favoured right side because he was not very good. He was not very comfortable taking the ball on his left foot.“He looks very assured and he does not mind getting the rough and tumble of it.“With Carter-Vickers and [Stephen] Welsh that is four centre-halves. I liked Jenz but obviously the manager saw something different from me. I would rather go with his word than mine.“"

Celtic hero has been blown away by January signing’s performances

Kobayashi was the first player for whom Celtic got a deal over the line for the January transfer window. It was done weeks before the new year though.

Thus, it looks like the club were very confident in the Japanese defender’s abilities and he is showing them on the pitch as well.

With Kobayashi being left-footed it has opened up a lot of new opportunities as well, with respect to how Postecoglou can set up his team and get the best out of his players tactically.

Of course, Kobayashi was never expected to come in and become a starter immediately. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have been the starting duo for a while and done a great job at that.

Sooner or later, Kobayashi is expected to get a run of games though, and it is important that he stays ready and takes his chance when it comes to him.