Tomoki Iwata has been a victim of his own versatility for Celtic recently.
The Japanese international was signed by the club, initially on loan, in January before making his move permanent this summer.
As one of the first players back in training under new manager Brendan Rodgers, he would have fancied a real chance to show what he could do in his best position.
Iwata has spoken in the past about his preference to play as a “number six” (Daily Record). Unfortunately, he has barely had that opportunity since his early days at Celtic.
Right-back is where he played in pre-season under Rodgers, deputising while the likes of Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston sat out.
At the tail end of last season it was centre-back where he was asked to fill-in while Cameron Carter-Vickers was out of action.
Quite simply, Iwata has barely had a chance to play his best position since his early weeks at the club. It’s an unfortunate situation, particularly disappointing because he has looked very handy when he has played in midfield.
Iwata was the J League Player of the Year in 2022 (J League). When you consider the impact that some of his compatriots have made in Scotland, it’s hard not to get a little excited about him.
Overall, he has made a promising start to life in Scotland but risks becoming a little bit of an afterthought if he continues to be used in other positions. Hopefully the return of right-back Johnston will mean that he is used exclusively as a midfielder.
While signings of Odin Thiago Holm and Hyeokkyu Kwon have already been made this summer, Iwata still has the potential to be a starter for Celtic.
There is a first-team player there, just waiting to be unlocked. He needs his opportunity, in the right position. Let’s hope it comes soon.
In other news, Cameron Carter-Vickers is already seeing good things from Maik Nawrocki in training
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