Celtic are set to kick off their Champions League campaign in midweek with a game against Feyenoord away at De Kuip. It could be a tough contest for the Hoops, as the Dutch champions showed they are ready with a 6-1 win this weekend over Heerenveen. Brendan Rodgers’ side have kept three clean sheets on the trot heading into the match, so things could get interesting.
One has to admit that Celtic have not been great in Europe in recent years. They were in the Champions League last season as well but could not register a single win, finishing bottom of their group.
The target has to be improving this time around. They must finish at least third in their group so that they drop down to the Europa League but remain in Europe.
If that is to happen, several players will have to step up against Champions League opposition. The name on top of that list is that of Kyogo Furuhashi.
Celtic superstar tipped to succeed in the Champions League
Kyogo has been a superstar for Celtic ever since arriving in the summer of 2021. He could not figure out the Champions League code last season though, not scoring a single goal in Europe’s elite competition. Fans will be hoping that the experience has helped him get better.
Kenny Dalglish seems to have faith in Kyogo’s abilities. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he wrote in his Sunday Post column [17/09 print edition]:
"“Out of the goals scored last year, one was an own goal, two came from Jota and one from Giorgos Giakoumakis. So, somebody different will need to step forward and it could well be that Kyogo will be ready to explode on this stage.“He will be the better for last year’s experiences at that higher level and he has the ability to make a serious impact and win points for his club. If he can score, it means the opposition need two to win and Celtic will look to be a strong defensive unit to stop that from happening.”"
One can only hope so. Kyogo is the most reliable source of goals that Celtic have right now. He has proven himself at every level for the club already, except for the Champions League.
Now, he knows what to expect though. And one could argue that the group is easier this time than it was last season with Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.