There are no two ways about it, Celtic’s pre-season tour of the USA was a rip-roaring success, both on and off the pitch. Indeed, despite the grumblings concerning the club’s transfer activity – or lack of it – things could not be better on the park with the side’s preparations for the season ahead.

Three wins out of three versus the MLS’ DC United and Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea respectively have left those of a Celtic persuasion purring with their prospects for the new season, which kicks off this Sunday against Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock. Scoring 12 goals and conceding only four, Brendan Rodgers’ team looks to be in the best possible shape ahead of a gruelling season ahead.

Focusing purely on events that transpired in America, there were a number of players who grasped their opportunity to impress both their manager and the supporters during this pre-season excursion. With that in mind, The Celtic Way’s Ryan McGinlay locks in his ‘power rankings’ for the club’s tour of the USA, as certain individuals took the ‘soccer’ nation by storm during their visit this month.

Honourable mentions

Before we get into the top five players of this trip, it is important to recognise that there were more than just this number that impressed for the club in America. Despite his up-and-down career thus far for his boyhood club, Mikey Johnston managed to score two goals in three games, netting against both DC United (where he also missed a penalty) and Chelsea respectively. In the latter clash, the Republic of Ireland international also pressed his opponents into making a mistake for his side’s third goal, which Luis Palma expertly put away. Regardless of what the future holds for the 25-year-old, he largely did himself proud concerning events in the United States on the pitch.

Speaking of Palma, the Honduras stalwart also managed two goals in three games, as he embraced the love of his fellow countrymen and women wherever he went, both on and off the pitch. After a stop-start debut season following his move from Greek side Aris, the left-winger will be looking for more consistency in his performances, despite posting some decent numbers in both goals and assists – achieving double digits in both categories. Do not be surprised if this is the breakout season for the popular Palma in the weeks and months ahead.

Lastly, despite having fairly limited minutes over the course of the three games played, Odin Thiago Holm impressed in his cameo role as a substitute for Rodgers’ all-conquering side. Showing maturity on the ball - as well as eye-catching dribbling on more than one occasion – the Norway youngster looked to have heeded his manager’s warning about work rate following the Queen's Park friendly, prior to flying out to the States. Here’s hoping that he puts it all together this campaign.

5. Nicolas Kuhn

A harsh victim of his knock that ruled him out of the final pre-season game versus Chelsea last weekend, the German winger could and would have been higher if not for the back injury he sustained in the lead-up to that match.

In truth, his performance against Manchester City ensured his placing on this list – almost by default. A player who has had a mixed start to life in Glasgow, the right-winger tore Pep Guardiola’s youthful side apart in the first half, demonstrating the skill, dribbling and goal threat that temped Rodgers and the club to pry him from Rapid Vienna’s clutches in January.

Indeed, his performance against the Premier League champions was special, as he scored two goals and assisted the third in last Wednesday’s 4-3 win over who many consider to be the greatest side on the planet. Helped on by the brilliance of Matt O’Riley’s delivery out to the wide area, Kuhn drove at his marker and left him for dead, before slotting the ball past Stefan Ortega in the opposition’s goal. His second was even better, as he cut inside from the right before unleashing an unstoppable shot beyond the same keeper.

Perhaps his best contribution, however, came from his productivity in the assists department, which went viral on social media around the world. With pace, he played a sensational ball with the outside of his foot into the path of Kyogo, who rounded Ortega before tapping the ball over the line. A piece of magic from the wide-man, who demonstrated all of his attacking flair in front of the masses – both in the States and tuning in around the world.

Fingers crossed he can transfer this magic into his competitive form, starting this Sunday if he can shake off his knock in time for the season opener.

4. Kasper Schmeichel

When supporters are already talking about you being an upgrade on your predecessor just two games into your Celtic career, then you know you have made an immediate impression on your new employers.

The Denmark legend only joined the club a little over a week ago, but his Celtic highlight reel is already taking shape after around 90 minutes of action. What better way to enamour yourself to your manager, teammates and stateside fans than by shutting out Erling Haaland with a couple of world-class saves at point-blank range?

Perhaps one of the only drawbacks to signing the 37-year-old was precisely that – his age. Despite this, the keeper so far has been showing the agility of a shot-stopper 10 years his junior, if not more. Quick off of both his feet and his line, Schmeichel fits the bill already concerning what a Celtic goalkeeper SHOULD look like.

The most impressive part of his game for many is the speed at which he distributes the ball to his defenders and midfielders. Even three seasons in, this was a weak link for Joe Hart, yet it has looked effortless for the new man, even under pressure.

With two impressive performances against former club Manchester City and Chelsea now under his belt, he looks primed for a Celtic Park debut on Sunday. I’ve got a feeling that the supporters will take this keeper just as much as the last one…

3. Reo Hatate

One of the main men in the news at the moment concerning his future has been a standout in pre-season, though his timing can be viewed as both a positive and a negative when you consider his return to form. This time last year, he had to spend time on the bench in place of David Turnbull, though lightning will surely not strike twice this time around.

With Leicester City seemingly interested in Hatate, the midfielder has looked ready for the new season to start, regardless of where he will be playing his football next term. Taking more care in possession of the ball, the Japan international has looked like a player reborn under Rodgers’ guidance this summer. His passing has been crisp, purposeful and accurate, with both Premier League clubs struggling to keep tabs on the middle-man’s movement and drive.

Physically, Hatate looks to have matured, too, with the player cutting a leaner and more rounded figure since returning to first-team action a few weeks ago. If he stays put, he could have that second ‘breakout season’ that many have been hoping for from the gifted midfielder. You would not put it past number 41 to do just that.

A very profitable time spent in the USA for arguably Celtic’s most talented player.

2. Kyogo Furuhashi

If pre-season is anything to go by, then Kyogo will help himself to a lot of goals this campaign for Celtic.

With a grand total of six goals in five for the talismanic figure this pre-season – including two in the States – the Japan forward looks to be in fine form ahead of opening day this weekend. Though both of his finishes ended up being tap-ins, he was in the right place at the right time for both, thanks to good deliveries from the likes of Kuhn and O’Riley in consecutive outings.

With 19 goals last campaign, Kyogo is no stranger to hitting the back of the net regularly for Celtic. However, this season could be a return to the form shown by the in 2022/23 under Ange Postecoglou, as his tenacity looks back to its predatory best. Not just his first touch, but his movement both on and off of the ball looks to be on point at just the right time.

With no new incomings as of yet to compete with Kyogo, the forward presently has a clear run at the lone striker’s role, though he has not shown any signs of letting up despite the lack of competition.

1. Matt O’Riley

Realistically, could it have been anyone else?

O’Riley has taken America by storm, producing dominant displays in all three of Celtic’s pre-season matches across the Atlantic. A man very much in demand this summer, he has not let that affect his game by any means, producing showstopping performances against all three opponents despite the transfer vultures swirling.

Three goals and two assists for Celtic’s biggest asset indicate a player who is at the very top of his game right now. However, it is not just his goal involvements but his overall play that is leaving supporters and potential suitors alike purring. He really can do it all on a football pitch.

A mobile operator both on and off of the ball, O’Riley looks to have gone up a few gears since returning from his well-deserved break at the end of last season. One can only imagine how good Denmark’s midfield must have been if O’Riley failed to make the cut. His national side may already regret not bringing him to Germany, looking at where they finished up in the tournament.

It is clear that if he stays put, then O’Riley will arguably be Celtic’s most important player this year – as he was in the previous season. If he goes, then it will be for far more than the £14 million that sides such as Atalanta have been quoted as offering. They may even have to essentially double that to get anywhere near Celtic’s prized possession.

Players like O’Riley do not come about all that often. Chelsea and Man City know all about him now, as will the rest of the European footballing landscape. We shall see if Rodgers can keep a hold of his star man in the weeks to come.

By far the highlight of the tour. An elite showcasing of undoubted talent from the Denmark international,