As a cover star for Celtic this season, Brendan Rodgers believes Tomoki Iwata has been vital.
What remains to be seen, though, is if the Japan international can establish himself as a mainstay in a midfield that will soon be crowded with former Hoops players. Since Rodgers took over as manager last summer, Iwata has been in the starting lineup for the previous five games, marking his longest stretch of action. It was his 18th game of the season, and on Saturday, Celtic’s 3-1 victory over St Johnstone saw them go back to the top of the table.
The management adamantly claims that if nagging ailments hadn’t limited his play early in the season, he would have had more. Iwata anchored the midfield against Saints, making things easy in control while still posing a threat up top. He has shown to be a welcome addition in the absence of Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate. Prior to eventually heading over the bar from two yards out late in the game, the 26-year-old had one attempt cut off the line and another expertly saved by Dimitar Mitov.
Additionally, he has demonstrated his adaptability by filling in as the center of defense occasionally for Rodgers and Postecoglou. However, as the season approaches its last turn and approaches the home straight, things start to look dire for the Japan international as McGregor and Hatate are expected to return following the international break and Matt O’Riley is still a first pick in the center.
Iwata’s all-around skill set will be crucial in a fierce title fight even if he isn’t starting matches. It’s important for any player to get a run on the team, according to Rodgers. In games where Callum hasn’t been available or we’ve moved him up, he’s in and performed well.
He has served as the team’s cover player, exactly what he does. Since joining, he has performed incredibly well. With Tomo, I’ve been quite happy.”
When asked if he could develop into a player other than a cover guy, Rodgers said, “Every player has that opportunity.” Callum and I are unable to play as controllers together. Yes, if I changed the system, I could. He is undoubtedly a valuable team member, though.
Some people are not meant to be starters all the time. A lot of players engage in such behavior. He has battled intermittent injuries this season, so I’m particularly happy with the impact he has made. In a fitter state, he would have participated in more games.
Although he wasn’t quite ready, there were times when he was supposed to participate in certain Champions League matches. All I can say is that I’m glad he performed well upon entering.
Mikey Johnston, who is currently on loan at West Brom, is one player who was benched for the majority of the season but is now establishing himself as a first choice. The winger has scored six goals in ten games at the Hawthorns, including seven starts, and Baggies supporters are pleading with their team to extend his contract in the summer.
Even though the pressure in the West Midlands isn’t as intense as it is in Glasgow’s east end, Rodgers has been pleased with the 24-year-old Ireland international’s progress in the Championship. and disclosed that earlier in the season, he had slammed the brakes on a loan move.
“Excellent,” he exclaimed. I’ve mentioned Mikey’s talent previously. He’s been around for a while. As you leave this place, the shirt will weigh different. Mikey, though, has always displayed his talent.
“He needed to get a run of games since he has had a lot of injuries over the past few years. When he was wanting to go on loan in the summer, I spoke with him and told him to stay and get his training in order because he hadn’t had a continuous training period and didn’t seem to mind playing games.
After he accomplished that and made an appearance in a few of our games, it was time to get him some playing time. He has performed admirably and demonstrated the talent that everyone is aware of. Hopefully he keeps going with it, and in the summer we can take another look at it.
It remains to be seen if that entails another loan or a permanent departure from Parkhead following 16 years of affiliation with the team. Rodgers, though, isn’t about to turn away a player who he knows has the capacity to brighten Parkhead on a good day.
“Now that he’s 24 years old, Mickey is a boy who wants to play, not a baby,” he remarked. As you saw while he was competing for the Championship, he is quite talented. It’s not surprising that he has scored some amazing goals. He has the skill, as you can tell from his training.
Being available, fit, and consistent are crucial. He has demonstrated that thus far this season at West Brom, and hopefully he does so until the end.
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