Tomoki Iwata

Nerves of granite taking that penalty there

 

I must watch a different game any time I watch him because I just don’t see it.

Short passing is ok, runs about a bit.

For a combative midfielder that protects the back four, the opposition don’t half get to run at our back four a * of a lot when he’s on the pitch.

If guys like this are the answer we’re in a far worse position than I thought.

 

He definitely isn't the long term answer..

 

Gave good balance, quite progressive in his passing. Sweet penalty.

A big positive today.

 

This.

Iwata is decent as a squad player and covering that position is fine, but even with the run the team has been on, BR couldn't get an obviously subpar and well short CalMac into the starting XI fast enough. Don't think that is fair on Iwata, who is fine against most SPL teams, but for that step up we do need a fit CalMac going into next season in Europe etc (unless we get a better DCM and can move Calmac further forward), but iwata being in the squad as CalMac's deputy I am fine with.

That said, there are other areas of the pitch that need more urgent attention come the summer.

Need to spend to get a top quality GK, need to spend to get a quality CB to partner CCV and need an improvement for LB, who doesnt give the ball away and can beat a man, and doesn't keep making simple defensive mistakes, such as showing the right to right footed attackers to exploit. Those 3 spots as well as a striker are all much more of a priority.

 

He was decent today. Did his job quietly and scored a great penalty.

 

He’s the only one that brings balance to the midfield, first choice for me in midfield.

 

I'd suggest the people who don't see it watch him when he doesn't have the ball, he does an awful lot of work off the ball.

 

Decent game bar one moment getting caught on the ball and put one on a plate for Scales who should have buried the header.

 

He looked very calm and composed for his penalty and stroked it away with ease.

Provided he is not on the bench - We have found our new penalty taker.

 

Not his biggest fan but thought he played well when he came on

 

Like a thin Neil Lennon, does an effective job in midfield without drawing much attention. Great Penalty (Lenny would have missed it)

 

Calmac is not fit and risking further injury.

Iwata hatate O’Riley is what should be starting

Iwata brings an assurance to the defence and is like a hatate lite. Hatate is more box to box and much better with the ball at feet
But iwata excels being that deep lying midfielder

 

Look at the goals he's scored too....loves to smash it top bamger

 

I think we look much better as a team with him in it.

 

I do.

I have this argument with people about Bernardo constantly.

The way Bernardo shuts off passing lanes, matches runners, and intelligently presses is exceptional and often unnoticed.

I don’t see Iwata doing these things. If anything we get as many entries in to our final third between our midfield and back four as we do with McGregor in the sitting role, and these things aren’t his strengths.

Like I say though it might just be me.

 

Only midfielder who actually played well today. Up until he came on Aberdeen rinsed us in midfield, particularly first half. Got to start ahead of McGregor for me.

 

I thought we got better control of the game when he came on and almost set up the winner at the end of normal time had Idah not fluffed his lines. Scales before that too when he picked him out with a cross.

Aberdeen only really started getting chances again when they went direct and missed out the midfield.

I think much like the rest of the team the midfield needs a shake up next season but he would be playing most games just now for me.