Birmingham City Manager Cris Davis Makes Honest Admission Regarding Tomoki Iwata
Birmingham City manager Cris Davis has made an honest and open admission regarding Japanese midfielder Tomoki Iwata, who has been a key figure in the club’s squad this season. Since his arrival, Iwata has quickly become an essential player for Birmingham, impressing both fans and pundits with his versatility, work ethic, and tactical intelligence. However, despite his contributions, Davis has acknowledged that the club may not be fully maximizing Iwata’s potential, and there is still more to come from the talented midfielder.
Tomoki Iwata joined Birmingham City in the summer of 2024, arriving from Celtic, where he had enjoyed a successful stint in Scottish football. Known for his ability to play as a central midfielder or in a more defensive role, Iwata quickly adapted to the demands of the Championship, bringing his calmness on the ball, defensive stability, and impressive stamina to the heart of Birmingham’s midfield.
Iwata’s versatility has been one of his standout attributes. Davis has used him in a variety of roles, including as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box engine, and occasionally as part of the backline. This flexibility has made him invaluable in a Birmingham side that has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency in certain areas of the pitch.
In a recent press conference, Cris Davis was candid when discussing Iwata’s performances and his role in the team. While Davis praised the midfielder’s professionalism and impact on the field, he admitted that the club may not have fully unlocked Iwata’s potential just yet.
“He’s been fantastic for us, no doubt,” Davis said. “But I think there’s more we can get out of Tomoki. He’s a player with immense quality, both technically and tactically, but I feel we’ve only scratched the surface of what he can offer. Part of that is on me as the manager—we’ve used him in different positions because he’s so adaptable, but maybe we need to find a more settled role for him to really get the best out of him.”
Davis’s comments reflect his awareness of the need to fine-tune the way Iwata is utilized. While the Japanese international has been dependable, Davis believes a more defined role could help the midfielder reach new heights and contribute even more to the team’s overall success.
One of the key challenges for any player coming from a different league is adapting to the physical and fast-paced nature of the Championship. Davis acknowledged that, while Iwata has adjusted well, there have been times when the physical demands of English football have been a learning curve for him.
“The Championship is a tough league, very different from what Tomoki experienced at Celtic and before that in Japan,” Davis said. “He’s getting used to it, but the physical side of the game here is something that takes time. That said, he’s incredibly professional and works hard every day to adapt and improve.”
Despite these challenges, Davis remains confident that Iwata will continue to grow into one of Birmingham’s most important players as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, both Davis and the Birmingham City fans are excited about what Iwata can bring to the team. With the manager’s admission that more could be done to get the best out of him, it’s clear that Iwata’s role at the club is set to evolve.
For Davis, finding the right balance in midfield and giving Iwata the freedom to express himself could be the key to unlocking the next level in his game. “We’ve got a player who’s incredibly intelligent and disciplined,” Davis added. “Now it’s about giving him the platform to really dictate games and impose himself even more.”
Cris Davis’s honest admission regarding Tomoki Iwata highlights the manager’s understanding of his squad and his desire to get the best out of every player. While Iwata has already made a significant impact since his arrival, Davis believes there is still untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. As Birmingham City continues to push for success in the Championship, Iwata’s evolving role and the manager’s faith in him could prove pivotal in the team’s fortunes this season.
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