Celtic’s official social media account has posted footage from the weekend of newest recruit, Tomoki Iwata being introduced to the support at half-time versus Kilmarnock. The Japanese midfielder has joined the club on an initial loan deal with an obligation to make the deal permanent come the summer.
After winning a J-League under Ange Postecoglou’s countryman, Kevin Muscat and achieving the accolade of MVP for Yokohama F. Marinos, it appears that his next task is to try and force his way into a very competitive and highly bolstered midfield area for the Celtic manager.
Tomoki will be up against the likes of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, David Turnbull and the red-hot Aaron Mooy at present. It is a formidable task he has undertaken but then again, if Ange didn’t think he was up to the job, he wouldn’t have brought him to the club. It will be extremely difficult but not impossible for Iwata.
With Oliver Abildgaard looking more and more likely to being surplus to requirements, another midfielder with the same skill set but with a combined versatility will be essential as we compete on three fronts for another Treble. Hopefully he can be brought up to speed quickly just like Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda last year.
Meanwhile, watch Tomoki greet the Celtic supporters on Saturday…
🗣 “I’m looking forward to playing here in front of the fans, see you soon!”
Our latest Celt, Tomoki Iwata addresses the #CelticFC fans at Paradise! 💚#WelcomeTomoki🍀🇯🇵@qrukq4c0b83fta1 pic.twitter.com/OsTVSLJd6d
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 9, 2023
Paul Gillespie
