Kris Commons has chastised Japan CEO Hajime Moriyasu for leaving out Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda.
The Celtic pair have been left out of the squad for the upcoming international matches against Uruguay and Colombia. Moriyasu’s decision drew criticism because both players have been outstanding for Celtic this season.
Hatate has shone in midfield for Ange Postecoglou’s team, while Kyogo has scored 26 goals in 39 appearances. When explaining Kyogo and Hatate’s omission, Japan boss Moriyasu criticized the SPFL’s standard, but Commons questioned this reasoning because Hoops teammate Daizen Maeda made the cut.
Commons agrees with Moriyasu on the league’s quality outside of the Old Firm, but believes the pair’s omission is ‘disrespectful’ to Celtic..
According to the Daily Mail, he stated: “The continued absence of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate from Japan’s squad is odd. They are two of Scotland’s best players and are likely to be the frontrunners for Player of the Year.
“So it didn’t add up when Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu questioned the overall quality of the SPFL as a reason for leaving them out.
Not when Daizen Maeda is chosen. Maeda is a good player, but he doesn’t have the same technical ability as Kyogo or Hatate.
“The CEO of Japan is entitled to his opinion.
“In terms of the overall depth of quality throughout the league, I would agree with him..
The gap between the Old Firm clubs and the rest is as wide as it has ever been, and it is only widening. But I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to leave out two of the league’s best players.
“First and foremost, it is disrespectful to them. It’s also disrespectful to Celtic and their brand of football under Ange Postecoglou. If their continued absence allows Kyogo and Hatate to rest and recover more frequently, Japan’s loss will be Celtic’s gain.
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