‘The Yuki Kobayashi Thread’ – Dan Orlowitz’s brilliant insight on reported target
Soccer Football - Champions League - Group F - Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic - Stadion Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw, Poland - September 14, 2022 Celtic fans are seen in the stands REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
This happens every time Celtic are mentioned with a player from the J League.
Dan Orlowitz is Celtic fans’ go-to guy on Twitter and when the news broke that Celtic had made an offer and are reportedly in talks with Yuki Kobayashi, Orlowitz released this excellent thread to give the fans as much insight on the player as possible.
Basically, Kobayashi is a left-sided defender capped at u21 level for Japan. He made 40 appearances for Kobe last season, scoring four goals and has now been heavily linked with a move to Celtic.
But this thread by Dan Orlowitz shows some of the impressive stats of the 22-year-old and Orlowitz explains why he is perfect for Ange’s system:
His duel numbers speak for themselves – above the league average in every category except offensively. Very solid in the air. pic.twitter.com/QdLmED0ZS8
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 30, 2022
Looking at those stats it does seem that Kobayashi is the real deal and clearly he put performs all other defenders in the J League is every aspect bar one.
But how would he fare in the Scottish Premiership?
A different league, different players and against teams with a more physical make-up?
Orlowitz has it covered:
So with all that out of the way, looking at the Sponichi report they're checking off all the boxes:
✅ multiple sources
✅ formal offer made
✅ clubs in agreement
✅ player himself wants to go overseasAll that's missing is a medical check. Seems legit at first glance.
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 30, 2022
If this move does go ahead it seems that Celtic are getting the real deal in terms of a quality defender and at just 22 years old, this is a typical Ange signing where he can come in and develop just as we have seen with the likes of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate.