Hatate Gets 9, Carter-Vickers With 8.5 | Celtic Players Rated In Their Win Against Kilmarnock | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to his Celtic starting XI following last weekend’s surprise defeat against bottom-placed St Johnstone. They hosted another relegation-battling side, Kilmarnock, this afternoon; however, the East Ayrshire side failed to pose a threat and surrendered at Parkhead by conceding four goals within the first 25 minutes of the contest. They pulled one back minutes later but ended up losing 5-1 in an one-sided affair.

Below are the Celtic players rated in their 5-1 win against Kilmarnock.

Viljami Sinisalo: 6.5

Credit to Danny Armstrong for curling an effort into the top corner from outside the box, but the Finnish custodian could have been sharper to react.

Alistair Johnston: 8

Kept on causing menace in the Killie backline with his overlapping runs and cut-insides. Squared it to Daizen Maeda at the back post who made it 2-0 with a simple tap-in. Picked out Reo Hatate in the box for their fourth after an exquisite link-up with James Forrest down the right-hand flank. Was replaced by Anthony Ralston late in the match.

Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8.5

Took a while to find his first league goal of the season. But the USMNT ace made it special by finding the net with a thumping strike from 25 yards out. Had some key moments in the defensive third en route to maintaining the three-goal cushion in the second half.

Liam Scales: 8

After trying Maik Nawrocki and Auston Trusty in the past couple of games, Rodgers deployed Scales in deep defence upon his recovery from a facial injury. Laid it on for his central defensive partner for their third goal of the afternoon.

Greg Taylor: 7.5

The wantaway left fullback reclaimed the starting status after coming on as a half-time substitute against the Saints. Looked effective from the left with his marauding runs, crosses and link-up play. Set it up for Hatate’s stellar early opener.

Callum McGregor: 8

Orchestrated the show as a deep-lying playmaker and his passing, pressing and possessional play prevented Derek McInnes’ men from taking charge of the midfield battle. Allowed Engels and Hatate to operate in the advanced areas.

Arne Engels: 7.5

His box-to-box runs, swift passing, and one-twos helped the Bhoys dominate the half spaces. Played his part in the build-up of Maeda’s goal and created another opportunity for the Japanese hitman moments later.

Reo Hatate: 9

Incredible from the Samurai Blue star who opened the flood gate with one of the finest goals of the season. Showed his composure inside the box as he picked up Johnston’s pass before finding the target. Assisted Ralston in the closing moments.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 08: Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Daizen Maeda during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

James Forrest: 7

Got the nod over Nicolas Kuhn from the right. Combined well with Johnston for Hatate’s second around the 25th-minute mark. Was direct with his attempts in and around the attacking third. Made way for Kuhn around the hour mark.

Daizen Maeda: 8

Back among goals after a rare blank in Perth. Exhibited his poaching trait as he picked up Johnston’s cross and found the net with a simple finish from the left side of the six-yard box.

Adam Idah: 6

Should have been more efficacious while spearheading the attack. Failed to create enough opportunities or threaten the Killie defence before making way for Jota around the hour mark.

Celtic Subs vs Kilmarnock

Jeffrey Schlupp: 6.5

Balanced his game between attack and defence.

Nicolas Kuhn: 6.5

Was lively down the right since replacing Forrest.

Jota: 6

Replaced Idah but operated from the left with Maeda slotting down the middle before

Anthony Ralston: 7

Made it to the scoresheet in the final minute of the stoppage time.