Celtic target Maeda described as ‘one of the best players in the world’ by ex-Inter Milan star

Celtic target Maeda described as ‘one of the best players in the world’ by ex-Inter Milan star…

As the excitement for the January transfer window cranks up a notch, Celtic fans are eagerly awaiting to see who Ange Postecoglou has in mind to help continue his extensive Parkhead rebuild after a mass exodus at the end of last season.

Ange has been linked with a raft of players since the summer transfer window closed shop. The steady flow of rumours all seem to have one thing in common: they are mostly all based in the East. Ange used to manage in Japan, so it is no surprise to see that he is connected with the top players in the J-League for these past several months. Having won the league title with Yokohama F. Marinos, the Greek-Aussie will no doubt have admiration for a few of his former players.

Daizen Maeda of Yokohama F.Marinos in action during the AFC Champions League Group H match between Shanghai SIPG and Yokohama F.Marinos at the Al Janoub Stadium on November 25, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

One such player is Daizen Maeda, whom speculation is feverish about joining on the dotted line for the Hoops. Media reports are saying it is a formality that Maeda will move to Scotland when the transfer window does eventually open at the start of the New Year. Forward Maeda has been in terrific form this year, notching 21 goals in 37 appearances in 2021.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, especially by his compatriots back home. Recently ex-Inter Milan and Japan star, Yuto Nagatomo has been effusive in his praise for the 24 year-old Maeda. He said to Soccer Digest: “I think he is one of the few players in the world with such strong weapons. Not only is he fast but the timing of his runs in behind is good – and there is consistency. He is troublesome as an opponent. I think he is one of the best in the world.”

Daizen Maeda #9 of Team Japan celebrates after scoring their side’s fourth goal during the Men’s Group A match between France and Japan on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at International Stadium Yokohama on July 28, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

High praise indeed from a man with a fine footballing legacy of his own, amassing 130 caps for his country at international level along the way. If the reports are true and indeed Celtic are on the brink of signing Maeda, I dread what to think our rivals’ thoughts on the matter. Kyogo Furuhashi has taken to Celtic and Scotland like a duck to water, scoring 13 goals so far this term himself. This is on top of being out on the sidelines for a period too, which is frightening to think where he would be in the goalscoring charts if not for a knee injury sustained on international duty with Japan.

With Celtic already having a front three which terrorises defences up and down the country, Maeda’s addition to the pack does really make delightful reading as a Celtic fan. Ange certainly knows a player when he sees one too, as evidenced with Kyogo and Jota. The rebuild is definitely beginning to take shape under a new era of Angeball. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Paul Gillespie