Brendan Rodgers hails ‘outstanding’ Celtic player who now looks ‘a different animal’ after win vs Kilmarnock

Brendan Rodgers hails ‘outstanding’ Celtic player who now looks ‘a different animal’ after win vs Kilmarnock

Brendan Rodgers was delighted with Celtic’s opening day win over Kilmarnock as the Hoops boss lauded one player for his part in the victory over Derek McInnes’ team.

 

The 4-0 win flattered Kilmarnock as the champions showed their class after goals from Hatate, Nicolas Kuhn, Liam Scales and Anthony Ralston sealed the three points and took Celtic to the top of the league.

A two-point gap has now opened up between Celtic and Rangers after the Ibrox club drew with Hearts at Tynecastle yesterday afternoon as the convincing win sent the Parkhead support happy.

 

And speaking post-match, Brendan Rodgers hailed Reo Hatate as the player he felt was ‘outstanding’ in the win over McInness’ team.

 

Rodgers pleased with Celtic’s performance

The Japanese midfielder scored Celtic’s opener but was also a dangerous attacking threat throughout much of the game and gave Kilmarnock a tough afternoon.

Asked about the win, the Celtic boss singled out Hatate and said that he will be an important player for the season ahead.

 

Rodgers said [BBC Sportsound], “We were very connected as a team. Some of the passing and speed of our game is very, very good.

 

“I was so pleased for the first game of the season and we hoped after the preseason we’ve had with the fluidity of the team and work and mentality that that then can come into your first game and we certainly did that.”

Reo Hatate is a ‘different animal’ now at Celtic

The Japanese midfielder certainly looked a different player from the one that started last season under Rodgers.

 

And praising the Celtic hero, Rodgers shares why Hatate now looks a ‘different animal’ for Celtic this season after watching him in the win over Kilmarnock.

 

“I’ve got to be honest, the player I’ve seen over the course of preseason was the player I expected last season.

 

“And I think he came back and wasn’t quite right. He had a few injuries and then never really got to the level he would want to consistently.