Kyogo’s not at his best, but Celtic can’t afford to drop him

Kyogo Furuhashi has been a sensation since signing for the club in the summer of 2022. The Japanese international is a top quality striker as he’s proved on so many occasions. Glasgow Derby goals, galore,  cup final goals, European goals, he’s done it all.

However it’s fair to say he’s been a pale imitation of himself this campaign. He’s scored 11 goals in all competitions which is not a bad return, but it’s poor by his own sky-high standards. And Kyogo just doesn’t look his usual chirpy self this campaign. Whether that’s down to a change in management and a change of playing style, is open for debate, but good players adapt to any change, so he might just be having an off period.

There’s an increasing opinion amongst some Celtic supporters that he should be dropped and new boy Adam Idha should replace him for the clash at Easter Road tomorrow night, but for me that’s not the solution.

For me the problem is not Kyogo, but more the service or the lack of service he is receiving. Yes if a change is needed it’s on flanks. Luis Palma and Liel Abada have been poor these past few weeks. They haven’t been providing the service they should be, they haven’t been good enough.

Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn looked sharp when they appeared from the bench on Saturday at Pittodrie. For me they deserve the nod at Easter Road and could provide the ammunition that Kyogo craves to start finding the net again. Let’s hope they are handed that chance as they could provide Kyogo with the chance to grab a goal or two and give him some much needed confidence.

And we’ll find out today if Daizen Maeda is back and ready to play. If he is back in Scotland then match fitness should not be an issue as he’s been training with the Japan squad at the Asian Cup. Daizen would supply more energy and urgency on the wings and he likes a goal against Hibs. Remember that cracker he scored through there last season?