Japan representative MF Tomoki Iwata (25), who belongs to Yokohama F. Marinos of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League and won the J League MVP this season, is almost certain to transfer to Celtic led by Ange Postecoglou. Meanwhile, in England, the evaluation of the player by Tomohiro Katanozaka, former manager of Oita Trinita, is attracting attention.
Tomoki Iwata was promoted to the top team of Oita Trinita in 2016. From his first year as a professional, he secured an opportunity to play under former manager Tomohiro Katanozaka, and played a major role in winning J3 in the 2016 season and promotion to J1 in the 2018 season. After the 2020 season, he transferred completely from Oita Trinita to Yokohama F. Marinos, and played in multiple positions such as midfield, center back, and full back. He won the J1 championship this season by participating in almost all the league games, and won the J League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).
Regarding the player’s departure, the “Scottish Daily Mail” reported on the 24th of this month, “Celtic has listed Tomoki Iwata.” When I told him that he was the successor to MF Yosuke Ideguchi (26), who is expected to leave Celtic this winter, on the 26th, “The Celtic Star” said, “A purchase option of 1 million dollars (regarding 130 million yen). I will join with a rental transfer with “.
Meanwhile, the British newspaper “Daily Record” introduced a comment by Tomohiro Katanozaka, who coached Tomoki Iwata at Oita Trinita. According to this, Tomohiro Katanozaka said regarding the player, “Tomoki Iwata is a player who takes football very seriously. In my opinion, he is one of the players who trains the hardest. I built my current position (as J-League MVP this season).”
“He wanted to get better, so he would often stay behind and practice following the general training. It was great. His attitude was always exemplary,” he said, highly evaluating the player’s mentality.
“[In terms of playing style]I like his utility. I think he’s gotten better and better each time,” he said, referring to the player’s evolution by playing multiple positions.
Regarding his student winning the J.League MVP, he commented, “The past J.League MVP awardees have been many strikers and attacking midfielders, so it shows how excellent he is. He devoted himself to soccer. I think it will get better and better from now on,” he said.
In response to Mr. Tomohiro Katanozaka’s comment, “Daily Record” said, “Tomohiro Katanozaka said what Celtic fans can expect if Celtic completes the contract with Tomoki Iwata. This former Oita Trinita manager, I think he will be a good fit for Celtic,” and has high expectations for the player.