Kyogo Furuhashi: The Rising Star Interesting Spurs
Kyogo Furuhashi: The Rising Star Interesting Spurs
I suggested the other day that after the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham may look harder at the Asian market and so today, the #1 Spurs blog, Tottenham Hotspur Nlog News (THBN) takes a dip into Tottenham Transfer Talk and looks at Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo Furuhashi Player Profile
| Kyogo Furuhashi | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 20 Jan 1995 |
| Debut | 1-2 v Hearts (A) on 31 July 2021 |
| Nationality | Japan |
| Birthplace | Nara, Japan |
| Height | 5' 7" |
| Signed For Celtic | 16 July 2021 |
| Previous Clubs | Vissel Kobe, FC Gifu |
Kyogo Furuhashi's debut season at Celtic was been nothing short of sensational. The Japanese forward quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing his exceptional movement, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate.
In this article, we delve into the details of Kyogo's impact at Celtic, his playing style, and what makes him of interest to other clubs.
Kyogo's Football Journey
Kyogo Furuhashi's football career followed a familiar path for many Japanese professionals. After successful spells at two youth clubs and representing his high school team, he joined Chuo University's football team in Tokyo.
Following his graduation, he signed with FC Gifu in the second division of Japanese football.
There, he made a significant impact, scoring 17 goals and providing 16 assists in 68 games. This caught the attention of Vissel Kobe, one of Japan's most renowned clubs, and Kyogo joined their ranks.
Kyogo's Early Success at Vissel Kobe
Kyogo quickly made his mark at Vissel Kobe, scoring the decisive goal that secured their place in the club's first-ever Emperor's Cup final. The team went on to win the trophy, their only major silverware at that time, to which they added the Japanese Super Cup the following year.
In a total of 110 appearances, Kyogo directly contributed to 67 goals (49 goals, 18 assists). However, his career took an exciting turn when Celtic opted for Ange Postecoglou as their manager, leading to a world of opportunity for the talented forward.
Celtic's Style of Play and Kyogo's Role
Ange Postecoglou's tactics at Celtic have garnered much attention since Postecoglou's appointment. Employing a predominantly 4-3-3 formation, Celtic presses aggressively when out of possession, aiming to win the ball back high up the pitch.
In possession, they adopt a high-tempo, high-energy approach, with full-backs pushing forward and wide players stretching the opposition's defense.
- Celtic primarily uses a 4-3-3 formation under Ange Postecoglou.
- They press aggressively and aim to win the ball back high up the pitch.
- In possession, they play with a high tempo and energy.
- Full-backs push forward, while wide players stretch the defense.
The Art of Movement: Kyogo's Greatest Asset
Kyogo Furuhashi's greatest asset on the football field is his exceptional movement and ability to find space. His agile and intelligent positioning allows him to create goal-scoring opportunities and unsettle defenders.
Let's examine some key examples that highlight Kyogo's impressive movement:
Shot map analysis:
- Over half of Kyogo's shots this season have come from dangerous areas inside the penalty box.
- His ability to find space in the box is unparalleled in Scottish football.
Debut goal against Dundee:
- Kyogo intelligently positioned himself between two central defenders, creating space for a goal-scoring opportunity.
- By shifting his weight and moving behind the defender, he confused them and secures an easy tap-in.
Goal against Ferencvaros in the Europa League:
- Kyogo once again exploited the blindside of the defender, positioning himself for a scoring chance.
- His movement and an incredible pass allowed him the time and space to calmly slot the ball into the net.
Goal against Motherwell:
- Kyogo's anticipation and quick movement enabled him to find space between the defender and goalkeeper.
- A lofted pass is perfectly executed, and Kyogo's first-time volley finds the back of the net.
All these goals were about positioning and movement, all skills without the ball that many a fan doesn't fully appreciate.
Kyogo consistently demonstrates an ability to get on the blindside of defenders, confuse them with his fast footwork and body feints, and create havoc in the opponent's defense. This skill set has contributed to his impressive Expected Goals per ninety rating of 0.94, second only to his teammate Giakouamkis.
While Kyogo predominantly uses his right foot, showcasing a preference for his stronger side, he still exhibits a variety of finishes.
His artful movement and efficiency in front of goal make him one of the most exciting players in Scottish football. As Kyogo continues to develop and excel, his stature in the game is expected to grow exponentially.
Defending from the Front: Kyogo's Contribution
Ange Postecoglou emphasizes the importance of defending from the front, and Kyogo Furuhashi plays a crucial role in Celtic's pressing and cutting off passing lanes. Kyogo's high energy levels and intelligent pressing tactics disrupt the opposition's build-up play and allow Celtic to regain possession in advantageous positions.
- Kyogo's work rate and pressing contribute significantly to Celtic's defensive efforts.
- He intelligently cuts off passing lanes and shapes his body to maximize effectiveness.
What Lies Ahead
While Celtic dominates possession domestically, they face tougher challenges in Europe against teams with larger budgets. However, Kyogo was able to gain valuable UEFA Champions League football when Celtic progressed to the group stages for the first time since 2017.
Kyogo's contributions in winning turnovers high up the pitch creates opportunities and numerical advantages that are hard to come by in league games these days.
Looking ahead, Kyogo's performances in the Champions League and potential success with Celtic will not only benefit the club but also enhance his stature in the game.
The 28 year old gained further valuable experience with Japan at the recent World Cup in Qatar which is sure to improve him further.
Q&A
Q: What is Kyogo Furuhashi's preferred position on the field? A: Kyogo primarily plays as a center-forward for Celtic but has also featured on the left wing on occasion.
Q: How has Kyogo's movement contributed to his goal-scoring success? A: Kyogo's exceptional movement allows him to find space and exploit the blindside of defenders, giving him an advantage in goal-scoring opportunities. His fast footwork and body feints often confuse defenders, enabling him to create chances and score goals.
Q: What is the significance of Kyogo's defensive contributions? A: Kyogo's high energy levels, relentless work rate, and intelligent pressing tactics contribute to Celtic's defensive efforts. His ability to cut off passing lanes and disrupt the opposition's build-up play allows Celtic to regain possession in advantageous positions.
Q: What lies ahead for Kyogo Furuhashi and Celtic? A: Celtic's return to the Champions League group stages provides an opportunity for Kyogo to showcase his talent on a global stage. His performances in Europe, coupled with domestic success, will help cement his position as one of the most exciting players in Scottish football and potentially elevate his status in the game.
This related article discusses Tanguy Ndombele and this one discusses Roger Ibañez while this one talks about David Raya then Edmond Tapsoba, Guglielmo Vicario and Micky van de Ven.
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Have a nice day.
COYS
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