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Reo Hatate says he may not be able to hold the ball for 90 minutes, but has told Celtic that a major asset in his locker could see him fly.
The midfielder has been challenged by new boss Brendan Rodgers this season to triumph at the highest levels imaginable and the Irishman was brilliant with his compliment after Saturday’s 3-1 Premiership win over Kilmarnock. Hatate has signed a long-term contract to stay in Glasgow for the long term and is now back in Japan for a friendly against Canada, before facing Tunisia.
Speaking to Soccer King about his role in the national team, the 25-year-old admits he has to keep the ball for an entire match, but he can make the difference by turning defensive conditions into an attack. He said: “I don’t know how it will develop, but I can’t hold the ball for the 90 minutes. Moving from attack to defense is one of my strengths, so I think the key will be how I can succeed. “presence there.
“I don’t know if there will be two volunteers, but I actually think they will probably be below the top. However, other positions will be used. Being able to do that is one of my strengths, so I don’t know. where I’m going to play, but I can perform the best I can in the position I play in.
Hatate has also reflected on his form at Celtic at the start of the season. He added: “Since I came back, I’ve slowly been playing my own game, so I think I’ve played longer. We want to achieve results.
“I haven’t played so many games since I came back from injury, so there are tricky moments, but compared to pre-season, things have gone well. I think it’s a question of how I can bring my strengths to the championship. “”