Kyogo Furuhashi arrived at Celtic in Ange Postecoglou’s first summer window and quickly established himself as a key figure in the Hoops’ attack.
His knack for finding the back of the net and making intelligent runs made him an instant fan favourite, sparking conversations about his place among Celtic’s greatest strikers.
However, this season has seen Kyogo experience what could be described as his toughest spell since joining the club, leading to a shift in the narrative that once saw him compared to legends like Henrik Larsson.
Despite his recent struggles in front of goal, Kyogo’s work rate and commitment on the pitch remain undeniable. In Celtic’s recent 7-1 demolition of Dundee, he was unfortunate not to score when he came on, with Dundee’s goalkeeper Carson denying him with a commendable save.
This match, however, may serve as a turning point for Kyogo and Celtic. The team’s dynamic and fast attacking play against Dundee is precisely the kind of environment in which Kyogo thrives. Continuation of this form could see him rediscovering his scoring touch sooner rather than later.
Kyogo’s intelligent movement off the ball and his ability to drop deep to link up play are still very much evident. These attributes, coupled with his history of delivering in crucial moments, suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he finds himself on a scoring run again. The Japanese forward’s impact in derbies, particularly, cannot be understated. He has consistently posed a threat to Rangers’ defence this season, scoring incredible goals in both derby matches. These performances highlight Kyogo’s potential to produce moments of magic when it matters most.
Balancing Kyogo’s talents with those of Adam Idah, who has been on a promising run of form, presents a welcome dilemma for Brendan Rodgers. Idah’s physical presence and goal-scoring contributions add a different dimension to Celtic’s attack, offering Rodgers tactical flexibility depending on the opposition. As Celtic continues to navigate a tight title race, the partnership and interplay between Kyogo and Idah could prove pivotal in the team’s quest for silverware.
