Former Celtic striker and now pundit Chris Sutton completely understands that although the usual key names of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Cameron Carter-Vickers will be pivotal in the upcoming Glasgow derby, he thinks there is another duo who could be equally – if not more – crucial.
Indeed, Sutton believes that wing duo Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda will have a critical part to play this Sunday.
The pair’s pace and drive in behind the Rangers defence could be the key to Celtic’s success in the game.
In their recent Europa League clash with Benfica, the Gers left vast space in behind their backline when they pushed forward. Brendan Rodgers will have a keen eye on such gaps on Sunday and Maeda and Kuhn would thrive in those sorts of situations.
The German has found form recently and up against James Tavernier, the electric Maeda always causes problems.
Sutton thinks the pair could catalyse a win for the Celts on Sunday. “Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn don’t readily jump out as the major figures in Celtic’s set-up heading to Ibrox”, he told RecordSport.
“But I really believe that pair could hold the key to success for Brendan Rodgers’ team on Sunday.
“I look at the potential specifics of the contest and feel it is Maeda and Kuhn who might be the ones who can make all the difference for the visitors.
“I can see a variety of scenarios when Rodgers’ team are able to break at pace and have three-on-three situations and this is where Maeda and Kuhn are vital. The Japanese has that extra string to his bow which makes him doubly crucial in this game because he gets about James Tavernier.
“The German can do the same things to Ridvan Yilmaz. Force him back into his own territory and have him running towards his own goal.
“I’ve no doubt that Maeda and Kuhn are going to be released by quick balls on various occasions when Celtic’s quality players get a hold of it. The key is then whether the boys ahead can produce and be clinical.
“You hate harking back to the past, but even recently, Jota and Liel Abada were experts at dismantling Rangers from these wide areas – punishing sloppy defending and using their pace and ability to destroy.
“It’s now down to Maeda and Kuhn to emulate that. If they do, they might end up every bit as important as the McGregors and Carter-Vickers and be the matchwinners for Celtic.”
