Tomoki Iwata Takes on Putting Challenge | Birmingham City FC

Tomoki Iwata, a central figure in Birmingham City’s current campaign, has appeared in a new video showcasing his skills away from the football pitch by trying his hand at golf putting.

The footage, released through the club’s media channels and highlighted by Sports Navi and Yahoo! JAPAN on April 11, 2026, provides a lighthearted glimpse of the Japanese international during a period of significant tactical transition for the club.

A Pillar of the Current Campaign

While the latest media focus is on his leisure activities, Iwata’s professional contributions to Birmingham City under manager Chris Davies have been exhaustive. As of April 8, 2026, no other player in the squad has started more Championship games or accumulated more total minutes this season than Iwata.

His reliability has made him a cornerstone of Davies’ tactical setup, though his specific role has fluctuated throughout the year. Iwata has demonstrated significant flexibility, splitting his time between his natural midfield position and a defensive role at right-back.

Throughout the current season, Iwata has started 16 league matches in the midfield. However, he has spent more time in the defensive line, starting 22 games at right-back. This shift occurred primarily to cover for injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel, beginning with a match against Wrexham in early October.

Tactical Impact and Positional Analysis

Iwata’s transition to full-back was facilitated by his youth experience playing in the position. This adaptability led to a productive partnership with Patrick Roberts, which contributed to three consecutive four-goal victories at home during the autumn against Norwich, Millwall and Portsmouth.

Statistical data suggests that Birmingham City has performed more effectively with Iwata deployed at right-back than in the midfield. When Iwata has played as a right-back, the club has recorded eight wins, seven draws, and seven losses in the Championship.

In contrast, the team’s record with Iwata in the midfield stands at five wins, three draws, and eight losses. Analysis indicates that while Iwata’s quality in possession during intense midfield battles is more limited, his physicality and ability to support wingers through high-speed overlaps and underlaps provide a greater net benefit to the team’s overall performance.

From Celtic to Record-Breaking Success

Iwata’s journey to becoming a mainstay at Birmingham City began with a move from the Scottish champions, Celtic. At the time of his transfer, the decision to join a team in England’s third tier was viewed by many as surprising given the player’s pedigree.

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The move proved highly successful, as Iwata played a pivotal role in a historic campaign that saw Birmingham City secure both the League One title and promotion to the Championship. During that season, the club set a new English Football League record by accumulating 108 points, surpassing the previous record of 106 points set by Reading during the 2005-06 Championship campaign.

Iwata’s individual contributions during that record-breaking run were substantial. He started 38 of the 45 matches, including the 2-0 victory over Blackpool that sealed the points record. His performances earned him a nomination for Player of the Year and a place in the Team of the Season.

Future Outlook and Contract Status

Despite his current importance to the squad and his successful transition to the Championship, Iwata’s future at the club remains a point of discussion. He is currently in the final year of his contract.

As Birmingham City prepares for a summer rebuild with the expectation of challenging for promotion in the coming season, the club must determine Iwata’s ideal role. While his utility at right-back has been a tactical asset, the management will need to decide whether he remains a flexible option or occupies a specific designated position in a squad intended for a higher league tier.