One of the undeniable highlights from last season’s title success is the emergence of the new Japanese stars, with Ange tapping into a wealth of talent relatively ignored by clubs on this side of the globe. An exciting aspect for Celtic fans being with the benefit of a full rest during the off-season the best could be yet to come.
Even players such as Kyogo who you could argue a case for being one of Celtic’s players of the season, struggled with injury during his first season at Parkhead the luxury of a full pre-season will provide us with a fully fit Kyogo firing on all cylinders.
The player that looked the most affected by having to play so much football last season was Reo Hatate although, getting off to an incredible start with his screamer against Hearts and his dazzling display in the first half of the Glasgow derby, by the end of the season you could see the amount of football he played beginning to take its toll after a much-needed rest could we once again see the full talent of the man from Japan.
I don’t think anyone could seriously question the fitness and energy of Daizen Maeda the man hasn’t stopped running since he stepped onto the pitch for the first time however, now that he has been acclimatised to the physicality and intensity of the Scottish game this may also add to the Celtic fans seeing more end product for the already loved forward this season.
The development of our Japanese players will be crucial in retaining our title next season.
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Good article Kier and you are right re pre season rest benefits