Ange Postecoglou described Tomoki Iwata’s Celtic performance against Ross County as “great” after the Japanese midfielder made his first start for the club.
Iwata had made seven substitute appearances prior to his selection in the Highlands. He was trusted to be the anchor in Postecoglou’s midfield for the Scottish Premiership clash, with captain Callum McGregor moving into a more advanced role.
While nothing quite replicates what McGregor offers us as a ‘six’, particularly when transitioning from defence to attack, Iwata nonetheless put together a solid 90 minutes – especially for a first showing.
Postecoglou sounds excited by Iwata’s Celtic potential
Postecoglou praised him heavily after the 2-0 win and now believes he is set to have a big end to the season after a gradual introduction to life at Celtic.
The Bhoys boss said [The Scotsman]: “He was great. He was the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball. He’s so clean technically. He really helped us considering it was his first 90 minutes after three months. He finished strongly at the end. I was really pleased I got him out and he showed his qualities out there.
“Last year we found, after they [Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate] were thrown in quite early, they started strongly but fatigued towards the end of the season. They come off a full season in Japan, so it’s a different feel for them at this stage of the season.
“So my inkling, if it worked out, was to have the three of them embedded slowly and give them opportunities along the way. The hope is in the last bit of the season they will be really strong. We will see the best of them after they’ve had a pre-season but after looking at it today, Iwata looked really strong.”
Despite this big step for Iwata, which is pleasing, many Celtic fans will be looking for Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy to return to contention in the midfield next week. A massive test against Rangers might just be a bit soon for Ange’s new midfield option.
Thankfully both Hatate and Mooy are expected to be fine for the derby, having returned to training late last week. Iwata will get the chance to impress again soon, no doubt. Even as a substitute option, he’s looked the part since joining, so Ange’s plan of building him to a peak is progressing well.
In other news, Celtic B thump Rangers at Ibrox as Ben Quinn steals the show; Lowland League title consequences.
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