The J-League’s offcial media account has given a salute to the Scottish Premiership Champions’ hat-trick hero, Daizen Maeda. The forward was sensational in Celtic’s first pre-season fixture during their Japan Tour against Yokohama F. Marinos and nabbed three goals against his old side on his homecoming.
Maeda was largely used wide-left during Ange Postecoglou’s reign as manager of the football club, but that could be about to change if Brendan Rodgers has anything to do with it. He decided to start the lightening quick striker through the middle on Wednesday and he certainly reaped the rewards.
Daizen looked sharp and agile in attack when central and it’s no surprise there that he managed to get on the scoresheet three times. It’s being said that Rodgers sees the Hoops forward as more of a centre-forward than a winger and if his latest display is anything to go by, teams in Scotland should be very afraid of what’s to come this season.
Praising him for his efforts and ultimately his hat-trick, the account said:
“A first-half hat-trick… now, that’s some way to come home.
Best of luck to you and @CelticFC this season, @M_Dazien_1020!”
Paul Gillespie