Not every Celtic signing will live up to the hype.
Many times have players from England’s Premier League moved north and flopped, some for big money and others on free transfers. The success depends on many factors including timing and managerial philosophies.
Sometimes managers simply have their favourites and that prevents certain players from ever really making the grade through a lack of game time.
When Ange Postecoglou brought in the Japanese contingent in Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, the excitement was real among the support who had similar anticipation for what Tomoki Iwata might do in a Hoops jersey.
The latter arrived having won the J League MVP award the previous season but just 42 games in three seasons under Ange, Neil Lennon and then Brendan Rodgers saw his chances of a starring role in Glasgow.
David Prutton says ex-Celtic man Tomoki Iwata is the best player in League One
His £1million switch to Birmingham City in League One has proved to be a brilliant one for the 27-year-old who has had magic moments at St Andrew’s so far.
And now Sky Sports pundit and former Nottingham Forest and Southampton star David Prutton believes Iwata is the best player in the division.
“League One’s best player at the moment (is) Tomoki Iwata,” he told Football League World.
“I think what he has managed to bring to a midfield, and a team that has obviously been built to blast their way out of League One straight back into the Championship, is a real discipline at the heart of where, I’d like to think as a former journeyman midfielder, all the important work goes on.
“(He is) that type of teammate, the stereotypical ‘covers every blade of grass,’ and is doing a lot of work which helps the team tick along and makes them formidable in the middle of the pitch.
“The athleticism that he shows, the ability to deliver under pressure and expectation, his discipline and marshaling in the middle of the pitch does make him a standout.”
Iwata’s special Birmingham City moments after leaving Celtic
Iwata has been excellent with the Blues and his time down south has brought some exciting and superb moments.
One in particular was Iwata’s stunning goal vs Newcastle which shocked English football as he lashed in a drive from outside the box to give his side the lead.
Brum fans have been delighted with Iwata and it’s little wonder considering how Prutton described his playing style.
Alan Shearer has also praised Iwata for his time down in England so far.
It is a shame the player did not quite make the cut at Celtic Park but it must have been difficult for him given the fact that, at times, he was asked to play at the heart of the defence out of necessity rather than his preferred engine room role.
We hope Iwata earns promotion this season and goes on to have more success before he retires.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
