Chris Sutton, the celebrated former Celtic striker, has shared his insights into Kyogo Furuhashi’s current slump in form at Celtic, identifying a disconnect with the team as the root cause. Despite his previous successes, Furuhashi’s goal-scoring has significantly declined this season, leading to reduced playtime, including a substitute role in the recent tense victory over Hibs.
Sutton highlights the paradox of having a talent like Furuhashi, who he regards as the premier striker in the nation, yet witnessing his diminishing impact on the field. This situation, Sutton fears, could not only stifle the player’s career at Celtic but also jeopardize the team’s championship aspirations.
Kyogo’s journey from a celebrated signing from Vissel Kobe in 2021 to a player struggling for game time is a source of frustration for Sutton. He contrasts Kyogo’s prolific scoring in his debut season with his current struggles, emphasizing that the issue lies not with Kyogo’s abilities but with the team’s failure to leverage his strengths.
Sutton dismisses any comparison between Kyogo and Adam Idah, the latter having recently been favored in starting positions, stating plainly that Kyogo’s talent is unparalleled in the team. He points to a decline in service quality and tactical adjustments under manager Brendan Rodgers as contributing factors to Kyogo’s dip in form.
Under Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo thrived with a playing style that suited his strengths, something Sutton believes Rodgers has yet to replicate. He criticizes the current strategy and player performances that have led to a lack of opportunities for Kyogo, especially from the wings, which were once a rich source of assists for him.
In closing, Sutton calls for a tactical reevaluation to reinvigorate Kyogo’s role within the team, stressing that it’s a disservice to both the player and the club to not fully utilize such a distinguished talent. The situation, as Sutton sees it, is a glaring oversight in team management that needs immediate correction for Celtic to maintain its competitive edge.
