Shin Yamada’s encouraging start at Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·26. August 2025

Shin Yamada’s encouraging start at Celtic

Celtic’s 3–0 win over Livingston at the weekend may not live long in the memory, but for one player in particular it felt significant…

Shin Yamada of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

Shin Yamada, the summer arrival from Kawasaki Frontale, was handed the task of leading the line, and while the match circumstances made it more of a training exercise than a particularly stern test, the Japanese forward offered enough to spark a lively debate among supporters.

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As is often the case with new signings at Celtic, opinion has already split into familiar camps. Some have been quick to write Yamada off, focusing on missed chances and his lack of goals in the J-League this year. Others, however, see a player with the technical attributes and intelligence to thrive under Brendan Rodgers.

For those inclined to judge with patience rather than haste, Saturday was encouraging.

Shin Yamada of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

What stood out most about Yamada’s display was his movement off the ball. Time and again he made sharp, intelligent runs in behind, often showing small signs of frustration when the ball didn’t come. Dane Murray, and more notably fellow countryman Hayato Inamura, were two players who seemed to spot his intent quickly. If more teammates can get on his wavelength, Yamada could become an outlet Celtic haven’t consistently had through the middle since Kyogo was in his pomp.

He was a constant example of motion, stretching Livingston’s backline, dragging markers around and opening spaces. While the visitors’ rigid two banks of five offered little ambition until they fell behind, Yamada’s willingness to keep moving, probing, and asking questions of the defence was a positive.

His aggression and appetite to demand better service also revealed a striker not content simply to go through the motions. That attitude, coupled with his perpetual movement, bodes well for a player trying to find his feet in a new league.

Shin Yamada of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

Of course, no striker can be judged solely on running. Goals do matter, and here Yamada was less convincing.

He saw a first-half header well saved, underhit a good chance when through on goal, and after the interval couldn’t quite adjust his body shape to turn in a cross from Yang – who also seemed on his wavelength. He was also unfortunate to see an offside goal ruled out, which might have done wonders for his confidence.

Shin Yamada of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It is important to remember that Yamada arrives in Glasgow on the back of a goal drought in the J-League, and rediscovering that finishing instinct may take time. But the fundamentals – positioning, anticipation, and movement into good areas – were evident on Saturday. In strikers, that is often the hardest part to teach.

The wider question is probably where Yamada fits within Celtic’s striking options. Daizen Maeda remains Rodgers’ most reliable central forward, his tireless pressing and blistering pace making him an automatic choice in big games. But with Maeda regularly required on the left wing, and with Rodgers already expressing concern about overplaying him, rotation is essential.

Shin Yamada & Hayato Inamura of Celtic step off the team bus at Celtic Park. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Adam Idah brings a track record of scoring in big moments, particularly in big games, yet questions linger about whether his style and technical level truly suit Rodgers’ system. Johnny Kenny, meanwhile, has shown flashes at European Conference League level but still feels more of an impact substitute than a consistent starter at Celtic.

On the evidence so far, Yamada looks a more natural technical fit for Rodgers’ fluid, possession-based system. His ability to drop deep and link play, while not flawless against Livingston, suggested a sharper edge than either Idah or Kenny currently offer.

If Celtic do succeed in strengthening wide positions before the transfer window closes, Maeda could return centrally more often – but in such a scenario, Yamada feels the obvious first-choice back-up, a role that could see him play a significant part across the season.

Shin Yamada of Celtic during the Premier League match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It would be unfair to make definitive judgments based on one afternoon against a newly promoted side. Yamada is still settling into life at Celtic, adapting to Scottish football, and carrying the burden of expectation that comes with any new striker at the club.

Yet the raw ingredients are there: intelligent running, tireless work rate, technical sharpness, and the bravery to keep putting himself in positions to score. If those attributes are matched by sharper finishing over the coming weeks, Celtic could have found not only a useful squad option, but a player who genuinely pushes Maeda for the starting role.

Shin Yamada of Celtic scores, only for VAR to rule the goal offside during the Premier League match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For now, the jury remains out. But early impressions suggest Celtic fans may be pleasantly surprised by what Shin Yamada brings to Brendan Rodgers’ attack.

Niall J

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