Ex-Rangers star hails Kyogo as the best player in Scotland since Celtic hero Henrik Larsson
KYOGO has been hailed as the best footballer to play in Scotland since Henrik Larsson.
That's the opinion of former Rangers kid Rory Loy who reckons the Japanese forward is up there with the Celtic icon and could play for one of the top six clubs in England.
It didn't take long for Kyogo to hit the ground running in Scotland after completing his £4.6million move from Vissel Kobe in 2021.
He scored in his debut against Jablonec in the Uefa Europa League third qualifying round before netting a hat-trick in his first home match against Ross County in the league.
The striker, 28, went on to score 20 goals in all competitions before increasing his tally to 34 last season, winning the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot in the process.
Kyogo still has a lot to achieve before he can be considered alongside the 242-goal Swede - but it hasn't stopped pundits and fans comparing the two.
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And former Falkirk, Dundee and Dumbarton striker Loy, who came through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock and Rangers, believes the Japanese international is the best since Larsson laced his boots at Parkhead.
Celtic have been graced with top strikers since the legend left Celtic, including Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard among others.
But Loy insists Kyogo beats the lot.
Speaking on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I've been banging on about Kyogo, not long into his tenure at Celtic, about how sharp and creative he is.
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"I know myself from being a forward player, that first touch, especially inside the box, he gets his shot away so quickly compared to other players.
"It's wee half seconds and the chance is gone. His first touch is deft, his finishing is of the highest quality. His movement is of the highest quality.
"I've said previously, I think he could be part of a squad in the top six teams down in England, I really do. Whether he could play week in and week out, I don't know.
"But he's so intelligent and he's such a good football player. In my opinion, it's the best bit of business Celtic will do this year, tying him down on a long-term deal.
"I think he is superb and I genuinely think he's the best player to have played in Scotland since Henrik Larsson, I really do. Since Henrik Larsson, not including Henrik Larsson. That's how good I think he is."
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