Tomoki Iwata discusses his Celtic’selling point’ and gives an honest assessment of game time.
Under Brendan Rodgers, the Japan international has struggled for minutes, making only two substitute appearances.
Tomoki Iwata admits he’s desperate to catch Brendan Rodgers’ eye and kickstart his Celtic career.
The versatile Japan international has made just two appearances for the Hoops this season, despite the squad being decimated by injuries. Both of those came over the last seven days as the midfielder came off the bench against Feyenoord and Livingston. Iwata faces huge competition for a start in the Celtic engine room, with the likes of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and David Turnbull all ahead in the pecking order.
But the 26-year-old is also capable of playing across the defence, and has been utilised at both centre-half and right-back during his time at Parkhead so far. Iwata showed glimpses of his quality under Ange Postecoglou last season, starting in the Treble-clinching Scottish Cup Final against Inverness. And now, the ex-Yokohama F. Marinos star is determined to prove himself to new boss Rodgers.
In an interview with Japanese outlet Football Zone, he was asked if he expected to play next week’s Champions League clash against Lazio, with Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm both suspended, and said: “It’s going to be quite difficult as the two players who were sent off against Feyenoord will be suspended, but Carter-Vickers will also be back after being out due to injury. It’s unclear whether I’ll be able to play on the pitch.
However, I will try to appeal in training to take advantage of the opportunity.” By steadily extending my opportunities to play in this manner, I may demonstrate to the coach that I am a player who can contribute positively to the team.”
If given the chance, Iwata believes he can bring a number of valuable qualities to the table.
He said: “In the match against Feyenoord Calvin Stengs, who was below the top of the opponent, was attacking us one-on-one in a fairly narrow space. I want to show that I can stop a player like that. That’s my strength, and it’s my selling point.
“If I can pitch in as a midfielder, I feel like I’ll be able to match up with the opponent’s key players more often and have more opportunities to show off. However, my strength is also that I can play a wide range of positions as a midfielder, wing back and centre-back.
“During my time at Marinos, I helped the team by filling a variety of roles and winning titles.” Similarly, in the current situation, I simply have to do my best every day.”
