Kyogo's evolution in to a goal machine at Celtic is by no mistake because Ange Postecoglou has players in his squad just like Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta.
That is the view of Uchino Tomoaki, who was Kyogo's coach at Kokoku High School and has watched the forward's career blossom from youth level to Parkhead predator. Kyogo was on fire once again making it five goals in three games against Rangers with a deadly double to seal a huge win for Postecoglou and co. The Japanese forward marked his 28th goal in all competitions for Celtic in the derby.
His infectious attitude and dedication are no surprise to Tomoaki who says Postecoglou was well aware of how to get the best out of his prize asset. The Japanese coach also insists playing with Barcelona legend Iniesta at Vissel Kobe has allowed the striker to grow as a player tenfold.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton trolls Rangers 'contact' to SFA over Alfredo Morelos no goal as Celtic hero aims jibe
He said: "It's not by luck that Kyogo has done so well in Scotland with Celtic.
"He moved to Vissel Kobe in the middle of 2018 and linked up with Andres Iniesta. That was the start of it for him. He scored a lot of goals because of his understanding with Iniesta.
"Ange Postecoglou knew that. When he was a manager in Japan he would have seen how to get the best out of Kyogo. He wanted to sign him when he was at Yokohama, but managed to bring him to Celtic instead.
"He has got players in his team who can pass in a similar way to Iniesta and that means he will score a lot of goals which he has done this season.
"In my opinion, Japan would have done so much better at the World Cup if Kyogo was there. There were so many times when I thought they were crying out for a player like him to finish off chances.
"But he is only 28 and can certainly play at the next World Cup. He's getting better all the time with Celtic and I am certain he can get even better. I think he is evolving every day in Scotland."
READ NEXT:
- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller
- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'
- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan
- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision
- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash
