Daizen Maeda’s electric form for Celtic has made the Celtic support get over the transfer of Kyogo Furuhashi, according to former Hoops midfielder Scott Allan…
With Maeda stepping up as the team’s main attacking threat, the absence of his fellow countryman has barely registered among the Celtic faithful.
Kyogo’s departure to Rennes in January for a reported £10 million initially raised eyebrows, particularly as Celtic opted against signing a direct replacement. However, Maeda’s transition into the central striking role has justified Brendan Rodgers’ decision, with the Japanese forward delivering crucial goals in key moments.
Over the weekend, Maeda netted a double in Celtic’s commanding 3-0 victory over Hearts, bringing his tally for the season to 30 goals. His importance to Rodgers’ system is evident, as he was selected ahead of Adam Idah for critical fixtures, including the Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich and the recent Old Firm clash with Rangers.
Meanwhile, Kyogo’s struggles in France continue. The former Celtic talisman was reduced to a mere 91st-minute cameo for Rennes over the weekend, highlighting his diminishing role in Ligue 1.
A Fundamental Player for Rodgers’ System
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Allan emphasized Maeda’s growing influence within the Celtic squad, particularly in Rodgers’ tactical setup.
“For me, he is the one player in that Celtic squad who is fundamental to how they play. That is even before we get to the goals,” Allan stated.
“The press, the reaction, the positions he gets himself into—he is now adding goals to all of that. He’s scoring headers, volleys, all different types of goals. Not long ago, everyone was talking about Kyogo Furuhashi. Now? I haven’t even heard a Celtic fan mention his name since Maeda moved up front. That tells you just how good this guy has been.”
Celtic Bounce Back with Convincing Win Over Hearts
Maeda’s brace, coupled with a close-range finish from Jota, ensured Celtic put their derby defeat to Rangers before the international break firmly behind them. The champions are now edging closer to another Scottish Premiership title, with a domestic Treble still within reach.
Rodgers praised his side’s performance following the victory, particularly given the disruptions caused by the international break.
“I thought it was a very good performance and result, especially coming off the back of an international break with players away,” the Celtic boss said.
‘The three first-half goals were of outstanding quality’
“The group only came together on Friday, but the connections were really good, and the three first-half goals were of outstanding quality. Hearts have been on a strong run and tried to press us early, similar to Hibs and (the)Rangers, but we figured it out and worked through it well.”
With a Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone looming, Celtic remain on course for yet another domestic triumph. Should they navigate that challenge successfully, a final against either Aberdeen or Hearts will stand between them and another piece of silverware.
As Celtic continue their push for glory, Maeda’s relentless form ensures he remains a pivotal figure—while Kyogo Furuhashi fades further from memory in Glasgow’s east end.
