Brendan Rodgers has described new signing Shin Yamada as “even quicker than Daizen and Kyogo” as the Celtic boss spoke about the Japanese winger’s arrival at Celtic Park.
Rodgers has made no secret of his admiration for the energy and mentality of his Japanese players, but it’s Yamada’s raw pace that’s caught the Irishman’s eye.
The 25-year-old arrives from Japan’s J-League with impressive physical stats, and Rodgers believes his speed will be a perfect fit for the attacking style he demands.
Rodgers compared Yamada favourably to Daizen Maeda and Kyogo, two players known for their blistering pace and tireless pressing. Calling Yamada faster than both is a bold claim, and one that sets high expectations as the youngster settles into his new surroundings.
Yamada became the club’s sixth summer signing and adds further depth to the forward line. While it’s early days, Rodgers is clearly excited about the player’s potential to stretch defences and inject further urgency into the team’s high-tempo approach.
He said: (RecordSport), “His profile suits how we play. He’s one of the quickest players from the Japanese league – even quicker than Daizen and Kyogo in terms of statistics.
“That’s how we play, that speed in the top line. So I’m really looking forward to seeing him come in and seeing what he can bring.
“All the Japanese players we work with have intensity, have fitness, and have this momentum, this mentality to keep going.
“So we think he’ll bring that, and hopefully we can develop him like we have the other players.”
Rodgers’ emphasis on Yamada’s pace shines a light on what Celtic are trying to build in the final third. Maeda and Kyogo have been central to that identity over the last four years, harassing defenders and exploiting space with relentless movement. If Yamada is indeed quicker, he’ll bring another layer of threat.
It also speaks to the type of opposition Celtic expect to face, deep blocks and packed defences. A rapid forward with direct running could be the difference in tight domestic games or European nights where space is at a premium. Rodgers is clearly planning for those scenarios.
Celtic have drawn on the Japanese market consistently, not just for quality but for players with strong attitudes and professional standards. Yamada joins a group who have already set the tone. If his speed can be matched by game intelligence, he’ll be a serious asset.
