Celtic player must start vs Feyenoord after great display

Once again, Celtic did not look anywhere near their best for large parts of the game and fans were understandably worried after a goalless first half. It meant that the Hoops had just scored one goal in the previous three-and-a-half games, not what you expect from Brendan Rodgers’ team. Thankfully, they turned things around after the break.

David Turnbull converted from the spot to give them the lead. It was quickly followed by goals from Kyogo and Matt O’Riley. The game ended 3-0 in favour of the Hoops. Not the best performance but three points nonetheless.

Despite not scoring, assisting or even starting, the standout performance of the day came from Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder was making his return from injury and came on at the hour mark.

Celtic looked significantly better with him on the pitch and he showed Rodgers what this team has been missing. When they take to the De Kuip against Feyenoord, Hatate simply must be in the starting XI.

Celtic player must start vs Feyenoord after great display against Dundee FC

Turnbull has been pretty good at the start of the season and scored a fair few goals. But at the same time, things just do not seem as smooth or quick with him in the middle of the park.

The difference was clearly visible when Hatate came on and the team clearly has better balance when the Japanese midfielder is on the pitch. That is exactly what they need if they are to get a result away at Feyenoord.

Hatate might not have looked good in pre-season or in the first few games of the campaign, but he did look pretty sharp against Dundee FC. With the summer transfer window closed, it looks like he is playing with a clear head once again and fans will be hoping to see him at his best moving forward.