Hatate looking back to his best
He burst onto the scene at Celtic in January but Reo Hatate struggled to maintain his performance level over the course of his half-season in Glasgow. The Japanese midfielder can be excused for this after having played a full season in his homeland before making the move to Scotland. The close season over the summer will have done Hatate a world of good and he looked recharged as he took to the field in Austria. The 24-year-old was utilised in a more attacking role and he picked up some dangerous positions in the final third. Hatate also picked out some lovely passes for his attacking teammates and grabbed the second goal of the contest. A big season ahead for him.
Bernabai positive debut
It may have only been 45 minutes, but debuts do not come much better than Alexandro Bernabei’s at Celtic. The Argentinian was electric for Ange Postecoglou’s side and despite the opposition not being of the highest standard, there was plenty for Celtic fans to get excited about. Bernabei looked dangerous as he attacked the flank at pace, and he also spent a large part of his half of football in the middle of the park acting as an extra central midfielder. He looked comfortable in possession and also produced some pinpoint crosses from the left. Early days, but he looks a real find.
Jullien to stay?
He looks certain to leave Celtic this summer, but Christopher Jullien may have just given Ange Postecoglou something to think about. The big central defender strolled the contest in Austria as expected due to the level of opposition, but he really looked at home in the Hoops starting XI. His organisation skills were clear to see, and his fitness levels also looked impressive, given his recent struggles with injury. He was substituted in the second period after being handed the captain’s armband. The Frenchman certainly did not look out of place and Postecoglou may have second thoughts about allowing him to leave.
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