YANG AND HATATE SHINE ON HISTORIC NIGHT FOR CELTIC
- By LIAM McBRIDE
- 27 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Celtic ended their four-year quest for a European group stage away win with a dominant display over Feyenoord.
Despite trailing after just eleven minutes, the Hoops turned it around, winning three-one thanks to goals from Yang and Hatate, with Benjamin Nygren adding a third.
It means that with three games to go, Celtic are firmly in the mix to reach a Europa League play-off spot, having registered seven points in their opening five games.
Yang and Hatate Lead the Charge as Celtic Sweep Feyenoord Aside
The magic number that all but guarantees qualification is ten points and with a home game against Utrecht to round off the campaign, that is very doable. So, on a famous night, let’s analyze how each man in green and white fared.
Kasper Schmeichel - 8.5 The Dane’s decision-making on the ball was key. In some previous European games, he has taken too many unnecessary risks or being generally slack. However, tonight, no such risks were taken. In the moments when passing wide made sense, he did that, but under pressure, he cleared long, giving the Feyenoord attack no scraps to feed off. Moreover, the 39-year-old made a crucial save at one goal apiece, and how crucial might that prove this season?
Colby Donovan - 7 Replacing Anthony Ralston, Donovan showed why he should be Celtic’s starting right back during Alistair Johnson’s absence. Sure, he was caught out of position for the first goal but he learned from that and made no such mistake for the remainder of his minutes. Particularly in the second half, his one-on-one defending was a remarkable improvement compared to the man he was replacing. His on-the-ball performance was solid enough as well, as the youngster did the basics well.
Auston Trusty - 7 Just like Celtic, Trusty recovered from a shaky start. He and Donovan were to blame for the opener, being nowhere to be seen. His passing early on was also sometimes suspect. As the game wore on, he proved a calming influence in possession who allowed Celtic to control the game.
Liam Scales - 8.5 Apart from one loose pass, the Irishman was solid as can be at the back. He proved a real asset in the air at thwarting the often direct build-up from Robin Van Persie’s side. So often, with pressure on and a ball over the top, he showed great composure to control the ball quickly and either find a teammate or terminate the danger. In his brief spell at left back, he proved a reliable outlet on the left-hand side for Schmeichel to deal with an increasingly aggressive opponent in their pressing.
Kieran Tierney - 8 There was nothing flashy about this display, but Tierney revealed what an upgrade he is on the European stage. While the visitors looked to release Anis Hadj-Moussa on the right side consistently, he got little joy at running to the by-line. His Scottish counterpart simply didn’t allow it. In previous seasons, it was an easy position to exploit, with consistent long balls over the top. With Tierney’s power and pace, this is no longer the case. He also got forward frequently, providing excellent deliveries from the left-hand side.
Callum McGregor - 8.5 The captain played such a mature game in the number six role. He was simply brilliant. One goal down, he proved a calming influence in possession and was savvy at the other end. The 32-year-old linked up so well with Hatate and played a major role in a midfield that dominated.
Reo Hatate - 9 His performances have been poor as of late, but part of the reason that he has been picked for high magnitude games like this is due to his undeniable quality. No matter how poorly he has been playing, there is always the possibility that his A game can turn up and run the show. Simply, it was a Rolls-Royce of a performance. Not just the goal and the assist, his ability to take the ball anywhere, draw fouls and connect the game proved invaluable.
Arne Engels - 7.5 The Belgian may be the least pleasing on the eye of the midfield three, but he has his value. What he may lack in quality in terms of ball control and instinctive passing, he makes up for with his tenacious tackling and physicality. On the European stage, that balance is vital. A wonderful pass to Tounetki looked certain to end in a goal, but the Tunisian took one touch too many. As usual, his set-piece deliveries were excellent.
Luke McCowan - 6 The boyhood Hoops fan will be relieved of the turnaround after missing one of the easiest chances you will likely ever see. Standing in front of the goal, he somehow managed to fluff his lines, seemingly shinning the ball. For the rest of the evening, as always, he ran his heart out. In his unfavoured position, he gave his all, but his lack of pace for the continental game was exposed.
Daizen Maeda - 8 Such a Maeda performance. Goals number two and three emphasised what Celtic will miss when the Japanese international moves on in January. His sheer willpower, speed and pressing ability bring about the circumstances that provide Hatate an open goal. For Nygren's winner, his pace, movement and physicality are all on display. You’ve likely never seen a player like him, and the Celtic faithful should savour his final few months.
Yang - 8.5 The talent is there. Tonight showed that much. The South Korean took his goal so well and had an all-around outstanding game. He was so direct, causing Jordan Lotomba issues all throughout the night. With Wilfried Nancy no doubt watching that game, you wouldn’t be surprised if he would like Yang in his plans. The question, therefore, becomes: Does Yang have a future at Celtic? Will this prove to be the turning point?