BRENDAN RODGERS has stepped into the Henrik Larsson v Kyogo Furuhashi debate.
Celtic fans have been discussing the penalty-box prowess and all-round skills of the Swede and the Japanese personalities.
Larsson, who was bought for a bargain £650,000 from tonight’s Champions League opponents in the summer of 1997, and Kyogo, who was brought to the Hoops in a £4.6million move from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in July 2021, have both illuminated the east end of Glasgow, past and present.
The flamboyant Swede lashed in 242 goals in his seven years at Parkhead while Kyogo has hit 57 in just over two seasons.
So, who is the better of two class acts?
CHEERS…Henrik Larsson shows his delight as he claims one of his 242 goals for Celtic.
Rodgers said: “Listen, Kyogo is obviously a top striker. What made Henrik unique was his longevity at Celtic. In my time, we had Moussa Dembele who was fantastic while Leigh Griffiths was terrific.
“Henrik was over a sustained period and that made him really stand out.
“The comparisons come with the movement and the levels of finishing. Kyogo is his own player. Henrik was a special player for Celtic and so it Kyogo. It will be longevity that will decide where he compares.”
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “It’s also about creating those moments, like Henrik did.
“It’s about opportunity because there’s no doubt Kyogo can score goals at this level.
CHEERS…Kyogo Furuhashi sits it out as the touchline hoarding says it all.
“He’s got the speed and the movement – and the finishing. These are his moments.”
Ironically, Kyogo scored his opening goal for the Hoops on his first start in the Europa qualifier against FK Jablonic where he, Liel Abada, Ryan Christie and James Forrest were on target in a 4-2 win in the Czech Republic on August 5 2021.
A strike from the fans’ favourite and a similar scoreline would be most welcome at the De Kuip stadium against the Dutch champions tonight.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Feyenoord v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
