Five years ago Ange Postecoglou watched two Japanese kids emerge at Kawasaki Frontale – and knew they were destined for the top.
One of them was Kaoru Mitoma. Now at Brighton, the winger is ripping up the Premier League. With interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, the Seagulls wouldn’t part with him for anything less than £40million. Incredibly, the Celtic boss has revealed he tried to bring Mitoma to Glasgow when he arrived at Parkhead as gaffer. He was convinced he’d do a job for Hoops but was left frustrated as Brighton closed in on the Japan international.
The other 20-year-old to catch Postecoglou’s eye in 2018 was Reo Hatate. Thankfully for the Celtic fans, he was snared by their Aussie boss. And Hatate has made such an impact in Scotland that he’s hotly tipped to be this season’s Player of the Year. Just like with Mitoma, Postecoglou knew the midfielder had what it took to play at the highest level.
