Time for Iwata to shine, I think he could surprise a few this year.
It was announced today that Tomoki Iwata has signed for Celtic on a permanent deal, not by Celtic but his old side Yokohama F Marinos.
The Japanese side seem to have confirmed that the midfielder is now a fully fledged Celtic player after he initially joined the club on loan in January.
Although we shouldn’t be surprised as it was reported at the time that it was a loan with an obligation to buy, similar to Tomoki’s fellow countryman Daizen Maedas move last year.
Iwata has looked a decent player without being spectacular. He does the simple things in the middle of the park with a minimum of fuss, a bit like Neil Lennon. He was also played in central defence in the absence of Cameron Carter Vickers, but his main position is clearly in the middle of the park.
Tomoki was named Japanese player of the year last term so he clearly has something about him. After a few months of experience playing in Scottish football, Tomoki will start the season raring to go.
Will Brendan use him more that Ange? I think he will. The middle of the park is an area we need to strengthen in, particularly the defensive side. If Tomoki kicks the season off in good form I can see him becoming an important player in Brendan’s plans moving forward. I think he’s quiet capable of surprising a few folk.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy