Celtic’s Daizen Maeda got on the scoresheet for his country today in a 4-1 win over South American’s Peru. After Kyogo Furuhashi scored in the last international fixture for the Samurai Blue, it was now his fellow Celtic attacker that was to be the one to get in on the act for his country earlier on today.

I’m happy to see Celtic Japanese Bhoys have positive effects on the national team by making use of their own strengths in 4-1-4-1 system. It’s a little easier for me to imagine what role they will play in similar system under Brendan at Celtic next season. pic.twitter.com/rGW75QqgOi

— Yatao (@yataoda4) June 20, 2023

Both players, along with another Treble-winning Celtic teammate, Reo Hatate, received the call from Hajime Moriyasu this time around for this latest batch of international matches. Although overlooked by the national team boss for quite some time now, Hatate and Furuhashi have got their just rewards for a stellar campaign in the green and white hoops.

Kyogo Furuhashi gets on the end of Junya Ito’s cross with a glancing header that flew just wide of the post!
Japan 4-1 Peru FT but no #kyogoal tonight.
Otsukaresama @Kyogo_Furuhashi
Picture @lionelpiguet for @JSoccerMagazine and https://t.co/oCYq07XHpy #SAMURAIBLUE pic.twitter.com/RdAIzpQ05B

— JSoccer Magazine (@JSoccerMagazine) June 20, 2023

Maeda though, is an ever-present in that Japan squad – if not team on more occasions that not – and clearly is very highly thought of amongst the coaching staff at his home country. A lot of the stuff that Daizen does off the ball on the field of play doesn’t get the credit it deserves and Ange Postecoglou was forever singing his praises before he left for Tottenham Hotspur.

Daizen just did it as usual🍀
☑︎ Continuous chasing
☑︎ Dedicated defense
☑︎ Great goal pic.twitter.com/63AhPQBcUm

— Yatao (@yataoda4) June 20, 2023

His work ethic is quite incredible and it allows his teammate’s time and space as he keeps opposition defenders occupied with his ferocious turn of pace and relentless engine whether out wide or through the middle of the park. His latest goal is a classic example of him just latching onto a loose ball and he keeps his head and finishes it with relative ease.

Have a look below…

Japan 4-0 Peru, Daizen Maeda pic.twitter.com/kpzl77VU2F

— Colic Goal (@ColicGoal4) June 20, 2023

Paul Gillespie

HUGE SAVINGS IN THE CELTIC STAR’S SUMMER SALE!

The Celtic Star’s book promotion has been so successful, with hundreds of books at great prices being posted to Celtic fans all over the world, that we’ve decided to continue with the sale until the end of July. We’ve reduced all six books currently available from their usual retail price of £20 and prices are as low as £6 (see below).

All books are high quality hardback, with some signed by the author. And it’s also worth noting that you only pay postage on one book, so it’s free for the second, third and so on. ORDER HERE or click on The Celtic Star image above…this is how it feels to be Celtic!