Celtic’s Hayato Inamura involved in historic moment on FC Tokyo debut

Add as preferred source on Google

Hayato Inamura’s time at Celtic was short, but not very sweet.

Inamura returned to Japan after six months at Celtic, where he only managed to make one competitive appearance.

Fans hailed him as the Japanese Maldini in pre-season; however, none of the three managers who have watched him took much of a liking to him.

A return to his homeland was secured and the 23-year-old made his debut in the new J1 League 100 year vision league format.

• READ MORE: 67 Hail Hail fans are all in total agreement on Kieran Tierney since his return to Celtic

Were Celtic wrong to not give Hayato Inamura a chance at Celtic?

Does he still have a future at the club?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Hayato Inamura helps make history with FC Tokyo

Japan are switching from a summer league to a winter league and as a result, have introduced a mini competition beforehand.

Teams are split into groups and competing for the top prize, with Inamura’s FC Tokyo facing Kashima Antlers.

The game finished 1-1 which led to a historic moment as a J League game had to be decided by a penalty shootout for the first time in 28 years.

Tokyo emerged victorious, winning 5-4 in the shootout while the Celtic loanee impressed by playing 96 minutes.

They are in Group A of the tournament, which includes Daizen Maeda’s old club Yokohama Marinos and fellow domestic giants Urawa Red Diamonds.

FC Tokyo captain says Hayato Inamura has a rare skillset

It seems that Inamura has caught the eye of his teammates.

Club captain Masato Morishige even told the Tokyo website that his ability to pass was like something he hadn’t seen from many others.

“Regarding left-footed passing, he’s at a level that’s quite rare even among those I’ve seen, and I’d say he might be the best. We share a similar sense, his left foot is very precise and his ball control is clean,” he said.

“Even when watching the Tokyo vs. Niigata match, he kept delivering vertical passes one after another. He’s the kind of center back you want to go watch, a player who excites you just by watching. That’s also the kind of player I’ve aimed to be.”