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Kyogo has struggled to regain his sensational Celtic goalscoring form since Brendan Rodgers took over. But Gerry Creaney believes Rodgers may be on the verge of making the most of the talisman with the cutlery on the line.
Celtic still have 8 Premiership games left to play and a Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen is looming. Parkhead’s creative hitman, Creaney, believes the Japanese ace can complete a difficult private crusade as the hero of the moment. Kyogo has hinted that it will revert to a more menacing form in recent weeks.
In last week’s win over St Johnstone, the serve was as quick as he likes and he scored one goal and two goals were flagged offside. Creaney believes the disruptions of adapting to Rodgers’ game plan may leave Kyogo behind as the Bhoys step up. his bet on a double. Creaney said: “Kyogo will look back and probably learn a lot from Rodgers and what he hopes to achieve with another flavor of football. When new coaches arrive, tastes change. And when systems change, forwards have to adapt. You probably didn’t get the quick service you were used to. You have slightly more “orthodox” opportunities, which may not suit you.
“Their movement is still there. He is very sharp at all times and penetrates spaces that are difficult for defenders to defend. Some players adapt very temporarily to the changes, others don’t. Few strikers, with the conceivable exception of Harry Kane, who left for Germany, were happy to arrive in the city and continue anyway. With Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo understood the culture and understood the role.
“That’s why they have me like a glove. So coming here to Scotland wasn’t a problem. When things are replaced again, it may take a little time. Not for a penny to drop, but for the fit and match. It’s funny that other people have time to replace countries, but they don’t have time to replace management. We are not aware of any of this, but there is a possibility that they are now aligned. Knock on wood, from Celtic’s point of view, it will continue and make the difference in the race and in the Scottish Cup.
Glimpses of promise from new kid Nicolas Kuhn suggest Kyogo could return the ball to his favorite positions in the coming weeks. The bright line exit of Jota and Liel Abada slightly betting before their own exit was harshly felt through Kyogo. Creaney added: “That’s where their main source of opportunities comes from. People talk about obsolete associations or half of them.
“But if you’re betting like the most sensible three, there are plenty of other partnerships going on there. Maybe you realized when you have this wonderful understanding [and the body of workers changes]. You have to adapt, as the most productive. Players do it, in the face of the arrival of others. Maybe it’s a fastball inside the box under Angel, Kyogo the main man, let’s put it there. Whereas Brendan needs to touch certain areas.
“I’ve believed that when a striker is rarely in good shape, it only takes a moment for him to get back into shape. But in reality, Kyogo isn’t out of shape. He just didn’t score the goal overall and that’s how all strikers are judged in each other’s eyes. But ask their peers what they think of their contribution and they’ll tell you another story.
The 29-year-old scored 34 goals for Celtic last season but has only scored 15 so far in 2023/24. Even when he’s not firing at full throttle, Kyogo has a knack for scoring on big occasions. He scored decisive goals in either win over Rangers, earning a fantastic record in that game. Creaney said: “Celtic still have 8 games and hopefully two more in the Cup. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyogo scored goals.
“But you also see his contrition with the team and maybe it took him a while to be recognized. He may simply make the difference, but it may not be through his goals. It’s so stunning to see. That speed, that sharpness, aligned with what he seeks to achieve: score goals.
“It’s small but strong. I think he’s got guys around him with the ability to pass balls and he’s quick and accurate enough to get out of there. It probably wouldn’t have happened as temporarily or as smoothly as I was used to.
“But I feel Celtic have held their breath and will continue. There’s only one point between them and Rangers and you also have a cup semi-final. It may simply be an Old Firm final. What a focus to look forward to at the end of the season. You’ll see other aspects and characteristics emerge in other people when they’re put under a little more pressure.
“That’s what’s going to happen right now. And that’s something I’m sure Celtic’s players will be more than capable of withstanding. And with Kyogo, there’s no doubt that he can cause upheaval at the back of the Rangers, who will be out of his league knowing that he’s a genuinely damaging man.