Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has hailed Celtic ace Reo Hatate a ‘serious player’ following a star performance in the Old Firm derby.
The 24-year-old had a hand in each goal as the Hoops ran out 3-0 winners over Glasgow rivals Rangers.
Scoring twice from long range and assisting the final strike, Hatate has already made himself a hero at Celtic Park.
Taking to Twitter after the match, Scotland captain and Glasgow-born left-back Robertson was quick to praise the Japanese forward.
Hatate a serious player 🔥🔝
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) February 2, 2022
Signed at the start of January from the J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, the four-cap international teammate of Takumi Minamino has made a bright start to life in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s own Sadio Mane was playing a starring role as Senegal reached the Africa Cup of Nations final with a 3-1 victory over Burkina Faso.
The 29-year-old star earned a 9.00 Sofascore rating for a performance containing one goal and one assist whilst becoming the country’s joint-highest scorer.
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Is Robertson laying the groundwork for a future transfer perhaps?
Hatate has taken to life in the Scottish Premiership like a duck to water and whose to say that the Japanese ace can’t make the move to the Premier League next.
Mane’s exploits look sure to see the £72million valued man crowned player of the tournament should Senegal be triumphant.
However, a certain Mohamed Salah may have something to say on that should the winger guide Egypt beyond Cameroon and to a final meeting with his Liverpool teammate.