Welcome to Celtic, Shin Yamada.
On Saturday evening, Celtic rounded off pre-season by securing third place in the Como Cup when they beat a star-studded Al-Ahli side on penalties in Italy.
In what was his unofficial debut, Yamada wore the green and white colours for the first time, after coming on as a second-half substitute.
There has been a lot of talk about who Celtic have signed this summer, including someone like Yamada, because he comes in as a new face, with little experience, but not what the fans wanted, in terms of a new striker.
But this is how Celtic’s recruitment works, so how do fans feel now they have seen him in action?
Celtic fans react to Shin Yamada’s performance against Al-Ahli
Yamada was lively during the game, including having a goal disallowed in normal time, which ended 1-1, with Auston Trusty scoring for Celtic and levelling the scores from a corner.
In the shootout, it was Yamada who netted the winning penalty, and it was a great moment for the new player because it put him in a positive light.
But, in terms of his overall performance, the Celtic Park faithful liked what they saw, and some are even calling for him to start against St Mirren on the opening day of the new season.
@DeclanBlair1967 wanted to give Yamada his flowers: ‘Appreciation Tweet For Shin Yamada. 🍀 🇯🇵’
@tirnaog_09 explained what he liked from Yamada: ‘Morning all, another good workout for the team last night against a big, physical side. Promising play from Shin Yamada, who demonstrated good pace and movement. On to the big kick off next weekend. That Al Ahly kit was very nice.’
More praise for the new signing, as @MaedaMealOfThat added: ‘Hopefully some great things to come from Shin Yamada. The young lads did well tonight, would like to see more of our academy progress into the first team.’
@AGCeltic_ didn’t hesitate and jumped straight in with how he felt: ‘Seen enough of Yamada. Get him started next week.’
@Hoidy also explained what he liked from the Japan star: ‘Nice 45 mins from Yamada. Holds the ball up well, can dribble, decent finish, albeit offside. Looking forward to seeing more of him.’
Another Celtic fan who is throwing Yamada straight in against St Mirren, as @4done6togo added: ‘Would you start Shin Yamada against St Mirren next week? He starts for me.’
@real55champions with a real bold claim: ‘Shin Yamada will be player of the year in Scotland next season.’
@JungleJohn1967 continued the theme: ‘I must say Shin Yamada looks really good, same with Inamura, Austin Trusty has been much better as well this pre-season, so hopefully he can keep that form going into this season. HH.’
@CwoPod1888 compared Yamada to Idah in a brutal fashion: ‘Shin Yamada has shown more worth and potential in 45 minutes than Adam Idah has since the end of last season. Big man, get your coat. You’ll need to for that bench.’
Another happy Celtic fan, as @PaulC_1994 added: ‘Enjoyed that one. Inamura is once again brilliant at left back, looks like a right good bit of business from the club. Shin Yamada looked good when he came on, as well, quick and strong.’
@Champions_67 wants to see more of Yamada: ‘Really like the look of Shin Yamada. Very strong and pacey, good on the ball. Good finish for his offside goal. Can’t wait to see more of him.’
Who starts for Celtic up front against St Mirren?
Celtic begin their title defence against St Mirren on August 3, as that Al-Ahli match concluded pre-season, but the 2025 summer transfer window is still open.
Remember, Rodgers said that he still wants to add goals to his side, so that the starting striker might not even be at the club yet.
But, from the players who are in the building, who gets the nod, because there are a number of options to choose from?
- Daizen Maeda
- Adam Idah
- Johnny Kenny
- Callum Osmand
- Shin Yamada
- Benjamin Nygren
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