Celtic’s Daizen Maeda has been awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for February, a well-deserved recognition after a month where he was in unbelievable form.
The Japanese forward has proven himself to be a pivotal figure for Celtic this season, especially in the absence of Kyogo, showing that he has more than enough quality to lead the line.
A Month to Remember
Maeda kicked off February in style, scoring a brilliant header just 49 seconds into Celtic’s 3-1 win against Motherwell. His early strike set the tone for the game, but the winger wasn’t done there. He also provided two assists, including a stoppage-time pass for Jota, who netted his second Celtic debut goal. Maeda’s ability to influence the game continued to shine through as he played a key role in Celtic’s goals throughout the month.
A Dominant Performance Against Dundee
Just three days after his brillian performance against Motherwell, Maeda was again on the scoresheet, netting two goals in Celtic’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Dundee at Celtic Park. His relentless running and clinical finishing were on full display, further solidifying his importance to the team. It was clear that Maeda was growing more confident with each passing game, and his ability to score with both feet highlighted his versatile attacking threat.
Hibs Heartbreak but Resilience Shines Through
However, February wasn’t without its frustrations for Maeda. In Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road, the Japanese forward found the net once again, but he also had a goal wrongly ruled out by VAR. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Maeda kept his composure, focusing on contributing to the team’s performance. His positive attitude, even in the face of defeat, speaks volumes about his mentality.
A Perfect Finale Against Aberdeen
To cap off his month, Maeda delivered a stellar performance in Celtic’s 5-1 win over Aberdeen, scoring twice to take his February total to six goals. His impressive display confirmed his ability to step up in big moments and led to him claiming the Player of the Month award. Maeda has truly shown that, even without Kyogo, he can be a potent threat for Celtic.
Maeda’s Humble Reflection
Speaking to Celtic TV, Maeda was quick to acknowledge that his personal success is a result of the team’s collective efforts: “The team is doing well and because of that I can score the goals. So yeah, I’m really pleased for the team performance,” Maeda said. “I just keep continuing doing what I’m used to doing. I always try to work hard and try to do my best towards each game, so yeah, all the games were very important for me.”
The 27-year-old winger remains focused on Celtic’s treble ambitions: “We still have a chance to win the treble and that’s our aim as a team, so yeah, we will try to work hard as a team towards that.”
Looking Ahead
With Maeda in this kind of form, Celtic’s attacking options are looking extremely threatening. His ability to lead the line and chip in with vital goals and assists makes him one of the standout players in the Premiership this season. As the Hoops continue their pursuit of a domestic treble, Maeda is the form player in Scotland and arguably world football at this current moment, alongside Mo Salah.
