The thing about Daizen

Daizen has been below par, but you’ve got to remember he’s still getting back to full fitness…

Daizen Maeda is a player who splits opinion amongst the Celtic supporters. He’s either one of those players who you reckon is absolutely brilliant or alternatively incredibly frustrating and sometimes both in the same match. For me I think he’s a decent player. Yes he can be frustrating at times, but in the whole he’s a very talented player.

Maeda is one of the most energetic players I’ve seen in the Hoops, but that’s not just what he’s all about. He’s a fully committed player and he brings an extra dimension to the side that sometimes goes unnoticed. A year ago today he scored what was probably his best goal so far as a Celtic player and it should you all the great things that he brings to the team, have a look:

A year ago today, Hibs 0:4 Celtic.

Mooy(2), Maeda and Kyogo. @M_daizen_1020 @Kyogo_Furuhashi pic.twitter.com/hi1iHHRk6q

— Li’l Ze (@LilZe785) December 28, 2023

That’s been evident in his absence. Daizen’s game is all about pace and power. He doesn’t give opposition players a minute’s piece and he must be a nightmare to play against.

Admittedly since his return he’s been rusty annd a little out of sorts, but that is understandable since he’s been out injured. He’s slowly getting back his match sharpness and the last few matches will have done him the world of good.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic shoots at goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Livingston FC at Celtic Park on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

You’ve also got to remember he’s playing out of position. He’s actually a centre forward, but is asked to play on both flanks. Something he does without any complaints and he always gives one hundred percent.

He’s an international player, who’s played at the World Cup, the Asian Cup. He’s played very well in the Champions league with Celtic. He’s a terrific experienced player, but one that often doesn’t get the credit or recognition he deserves.

There’s a reason after all why he’s a first pick at international level, and why he was a first pick under Ange and now Brendan. That’s not down to favouritism, that’s down to Daizen’s talent and what he brings to the team.

Livingston v Celtic – Daizen Maeda scores Celtic’s third goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Saturday September 23, 2023. Photo Jeff Holmes

Another thing about Daizen is that he seems to enjoy playing against better quality teams than for instance the Scottish Premiership sides that simply park the bus. That’s why he impresses for Celtic in the Champions League and also has always done well in matches against theRangers. Who do we play next?

Hopefully Daizen is back to full fitness for Saturday’s vital Glasgow Derby clash. He will be vital in Brendan’s plans if we are to be successful in our aim to get the three points.

Here’s hoping.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy