Tomoki Iwata, once celebrated as the J-League Player of the Year, is now a peripheral figure at Celtic, sparking questions and concerns among fans.
His significant drop in playing time this season, coupled with his complete absence from Saturday’s squad against Motherwell, has raised a few eyebrows.
Despite being impressive in the limited minutes he’s been allotted, Iwata’s role has diminished to the point of becoming a mystery. His technical prowess on the ball, a skill that earned him accolades in Japan, seems to be overlooked as Odin Holm, a decent player but arguably less skilled on the ball, is preferred over him.
The reasons behind Iwata’s reduced involvement are unclear. There has been no public indication of injury or fitness issues, nor have there been reports of off-the-field problems. It raises the question: what factors are influencing Brendan Rodgers’ decision to keep such a talented player out of the action, especially when there is no settled midfield three at the moment?
Celtic’s midfield, which could benefit from Iwata’s ability to control and distribute the ball, seems to be missing a crucial element in his absence. The team’s recent performances could perhaps have been different with Iwata’s inclusion.
The fans are left to wonder what could have been if Iwata had been given more opportunities to showcase his abilities on the pitch. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to reclaim a spot in the starting squad and help Celtic find the midfield balance they seem to be missing.
Rodgers sees him in training who can he drop McGregor is his preferred position turnbull, holm, O’leary,give him a run out at left back cause thats where everybody see as weak spot in our defense
Personally believe Rodgers is potentially making a mistake with his use of iwata?
Currently seems to have been given the role of managing the minutes of Calmac playing time?
But think he has far more to offer than that, especially at a time when we are missing Hatate imo?
Could iwata do the same role as calmac, and allow calmac to push more forward, when we are struggling so badly against the anti football teams?
Calmac is a wasted talent in such games, in the sitting deeper role with offers ourselves so little in such games as Saturday produced?
Again with a trip to Rome awaiting, along with a depleted squad of attacking options, would iwata be the best choice in sitting in and allowing calmac to do a similar role as Oreily?
Especially when we won’t have to much to offer in the wider areas, if anything whatsoever?
So struggling to see where we can possibly even create chances, let alone actually score one, if calmac is going to still be used in the sitting deeper defensive role within the team imo