The form of Kyogo Furuhashi has been a concern for Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic fans this season.
The Japanese striker is normally deadly in front of goal but under Rodgers, Kyogo has found it really difficult to rediscover the form that had him crowned Celtic’s Player of the Year last season.
However, now, it seems, the Japan international has found his shooting boots and it’s good to see that being snubbed by Hajime Moriyasu has not affected Kyogo who has scored twice and created one in his last two games.
So how can Celtic continue to keep getting the best out of Kyogo? Former Celtic hero Peter Grant believes he knows the answer and it down to one player at the club.
O’Riley could be Kyogo’s Celtic saviour
Grant said [Celtic TV], “Play to him quickly. Because he plays on the last line of defenders. There’s nothing worse.
“He gives himself enough that he gets back onside from an offside position.
“Because defenders are always looking for him. He drags them back and the quicker you play the ball into him, the better he is.
“And when he’s on that last line if you can slide him through, the Matt O’Riley’s can make those passes, the Bernardo’s can make those passes and with the crosses coming in from wide, if they do that then Kyogo obviously get chances and I’m sure he will bury them.”
O’Riley and Kyogo were in great form at the start of the season in the Champions League for Celtic. Their combination play against Atletico Madrid was key in helping secure a 2-2 draw as O’Riley picked up the man of the match award and assisted Kyogo’s goal against the Spanish side.
The Danish international also combined with Kyogo against Lazio in the 2-1 defeat where O’Riley also set up the opener for the 29-year-old. [Transfermarkt]
So it is pretty clear that if Kyogo is to get back to his best for Celtic, O’Riley will have a major say in that.