Curious divide emerging in Celtic cyberspace over Shin Yamada

The stat-chasers and highlight-watchers

On one side of the argument, you’ve got the stat-chasers and highlight-watchers pointing at last season’s impressive breakout campaign – 19 goals in the J1 League, leading the line for one of Japan’s most respected sides. And all that, reportedly, for a modest £1.5 million fee.

That’s the low-risk, high-upside punt we’ve seen the club get very right in recent years with signings like O’Riley, Hatate, and Maeda, but then again, there was also the Summer of ‘23!

The form-watchers

But, and it’s a fair point, there’s another group of fans – let’s call them the form-watchers – looking at Yamada’s current season and furrowing their brows. Two goals so far this campaign, in a team that’s not exactly struggling to create chances – that’s a concern. We’ve all seen strikers hit the heights for one season only to fall faster than an Ibrox title ‘challenge’.

So, what gives? Is he the next Kyogo or the next Klimala?

Well, one thing that does give us cause for hope – and maybe even tips the scale slightly in the ‘Yes Please’ direction – is the player himself.

After making his international debut in the E-1 Championship against Hong Kong, Yamada offered a refreshingly honest self-assessment, as reported in Glasgow Times that’s possibly quite rare, at least in our game.

“I went into the game with the feeling that this was my chance to impress and although we won, I thought I could have done more. I thought I might have been able to score a goal, but I think I learned a lot from this.

“On a personal note, I have to admit I have had a disappointing season. I set high standards for myself and I don’t think I met them if I am being honest. I think that going forward, when we compete in the World Cup, it will be against far more difficult opponents, so I need to keep that in mind as I work on my national team progress.”

That doesn’t strike as the mindset of a player content to coast. That’s a player who knows he’s fallen below his own bar and isn’t looking to shift blame. He even references changes in the team’s style at Frontale this season – a new coach, a new style, reminds me of another Japanese striker. But rather than hiding behind it, he acknowledges he’s got to raise his game. There’s a certain maturity to those comments.

“I think the team played in a different style and that made a difference, but I am fully aware I have to raise my standards.”

Every transfer carries a degree of risk

Of course, every transfer carries a degree of risk. Kyogo arrived here with people questioning whether his stats in the J-League would translate to the rough and tumble of Scottish football. We all know how that turned out.<

Yamada may have dropped off in terms of goals scored off this season, but whilst form may be inconsistent at times, class doesn’t disappear overnight, indeed his XG figures remain consistent across both campaigns.

Perhaps with a fresh start, a proper support system, and maybe an established Japanese contingent that’ll help him settle quickly – there’s every chance he gets back to his best. And if he does, Celtic may have yet another Japanese success story on our hands.

So, whether you’re in the cautious camp or the optimistic brigade, there’s enough in both the stats and the statements to justify some excitement about the potential signing of Shin Yamada. And as for us? Well, we just like the cut of his jib!

Let’s see what the Bhoys upstairs decide on this one.

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