No Birmingham City player has featured more prominently in the Championship this season than Tomoki Iwata. Leading in both minutes played and starts, the Japanese international has been a consistent presence under manager Chris Davies.
Though some critics have questioned Iwata’s recent performances and Davies’ decision to keep selecting him, few doubt his successful adaptation to the rigors of the Championship. With one year remaining on his contract, Iwata’s place in the Blues squad is secure. However, the crucial question is what role he will occupy in a team expected to mount a promotion challenge next season.
Iwata has demonstrated remarkable versatility, starting 16 league matches in midfield and 22 at right-back. His switch to right-back came when filling in for the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel during a match against Wrexham in early October. Drawing from experience during his youth at full-back, Iwata adapted quickly and forged an effective partnership with winger Patrick Roberts. This connection helped fuel three consecutive home matches where Birmingham scored four goals each—a run that has buoyed their season.
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Statistically, Birmingham City have performed better with Iwata at right-back rather than midfield. The team’s record with him in midfield stands at five wins, three draws, and eight losses, while his appearances at right-back have yielded eight wins, seven draws, and seven losses. Neither set is outstanding, but they reinforce what fans have observed: Iwata’s physicality and ability to support wide attacking plays are more impactful at right-back than in the crowded midfield battles, where his possession skills are less influential.
Chris Davies has acknowledged this shift in Iwata’s role over the past six months. “He’s turned into a right-back who can play in midfield, rather than a midfielder who can play right-back,” Davies said recently. “Since the change against Wrexham, he’s been very effective, mastering both inverted and traditional wide roles. His defensive shape, positioning, and ability to cover the back post have all improved.”
Despite Birmingham City’s challenges this season, it’s clear that Iwata’s future lies at right-back — not necessarily as first-choice, with promising talent Ethan Laird likely to claim that spot. Consequently, Iwata’s days as a midfielder in the Championship appear limited.
This positional clarity has wider implications for the squad. Bright Osayi-Samuel’s future at the club is uncertain, as Birmingham do not require three right-backs. Meanwhile, midfield looks set for a significant overhaul. Since Iwata’s move, Paik Seung-ho has often been partnered by Tommy Doyle or Jhon Solis—both of whom may not remain beyond this season. Doyle is due to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Solis’ permanent stay at St Andrew’s remains uncertain, pointing to the potential need for three new midfield signings ahead.
In summary, Tomoki Iwata’s flexible contributions have been vital this season, but his evolving role at right-back is central to Birmingham City’s plans for rebuilding a squad capable of pushing for promotion next year.