It never ceases to amaze me how both football pundits and fans alike (and I’m guilty here too) become experts in body language the minute we have concerns about a player or his future.
So, the image of a distraught Reo Hatate being consoled by his manager has many of us speculating: was that his final European appearance for Celtic?
Reading Too Much Into it
Now, the gesture itself was simply good man management from Brendan Rodgers, and likewise Hatate’s emotion at the end of such an intense match was only natural.
So, with the emotion of the moment now set aside, I don’t read too much into it as an isolated event. However, with regards to Hatate’s future at Celtic there are questions that need to be asked.
I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending I know the answers, because I don’t. However, what I do have is some insight into the player, his mindset and his approach to the game long before he appeared on Celtic’s radar.
Hatate’s Demeanor isn’t a Sign of Unhappiness
Much has been said over the past months about Hatate’s seemingly glum appearance during games. “That’s an unhappy player,” say some. “He’s definitely off in the summer,” others conclude.
However, if you ever watch Reo Hatate doing interviews, particularly when he’s back in Japan on international duty, then you’ll see that’s just his general demeanor.
Now, I’m not saying he’s some kind of miserable or joyless individual, far from it. However, he takes his football very seriously, and the same goes for his media appearances. His approach is direct, professional, and at times some might say even borders on the robotic.
Hatate is the Consummate Professional
It may be stereotypical to say this, but this kind of almost emotionless approach to work is something I see pretty much every day in Japan. Some people just don’t show their emotions that much, if at all. So, when they do, as Hatate did on Tuesday night, it can often catch both fans and commentators off guard.
As for the player himself, he hasn’t commented about his Celtic future, nor should he. He’s under contract and as I’ve already said, one thing you could never accuse Reo Hatate of is a lack of professionalism.
There is a debate to be had though as to where his role is at Celtic long term. His form has, I think most would agree, been a bit inconsistent. Although I maintain there has certainly been more good than bad from him over the course of the season. Much like Kyogo before him though, there is something to the question: “Yes, he’s a great player, but is he a Brendan Rodgers kind of player?”
Still Adapting to a New Playstyle?
Whilst he has clearly adapted his approach to suit Rodgers differing philosophy on how to play the game, the jury is still out as to how effective this transition has been. It’s no coincidence that the most successful player of all our recent Japanese imports, Daizen Maeda, is also the most adaptable.
Maeda also seems to be the most content with his life in Glasgow. Again, We’ve not heard anything negative from Hatate in this regard, but we haven’t heard anything overly positive either.
I personally think Reo Hatate will stay with Celtic for at least one more season. If he left this summer, he’s not going to get the big money move to England like Matt O’Reilly did. His form this season simply doesn’t justify such a move.
However, like many of you, I believe Hatate has the potential to reach the O’Reilly levels of performance, maybe even surpass him. Only if he does that, will he then be able to command the 20 million plus transfer fee that Celtic would demand for the loss of one of their first team stars.
It’s Best For All if Hatate Stays
Simply put it is not in Celtic’s or indeed Reo Hatate’s best interests to push for a transfer this summer. Instead, the player needs to refocus, give us one final season where he can produce that Matt O’Reilly level of consistency. Celtic can then command that big money fee for a player in his prime and at the top of his game.
Then, both player and club can move on for each other’s mutual benefit. In the meantime, I hope Hatate’s head isn’t turned by the temptations of the English Premier League. It may be the best marketed league in world, but in my opinion both the Spanish and German leagues produce a better product on the park. They would also better suit a player of Hatate’s more laidback style.
All that being said, if Reo decided to stay for ten in a row, I certainly would have no objections!