Daizen Maeda’s explosive run of form after January saw him hit 29 domestic goals and supply 11 assists, a return that landed him the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
Dodds first came up against Maeda while in charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, meeting him in both league and cup matches. Those encounters gave him an early appreciation of how difficult the Japanese international can be to stop.
Last season, the former Rangers striker also got another close look at Maeda during a short spell on Barry Ferguson’s coaching staff at Ibrox. That period included two clashes with Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, one ending in a win at Parkhead and the other a 1-1 draw in the east end of Glasgow.
Having faced Maeda in very different settings, Dodds has seen the same qualities shine through. Whether in the Highlands or the heat of Glasgow derby, the forward’s pace, movement and work rate have made him a standout figure in Rodgers’ squad.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “Scared. He scored the goal at the start of the second half that got Celtic back in it.
“You are always wary of him, even when I was at Inverness, in the cup final as well. You were just thinking, ‘you have got to keep this guy quiet.’
“I agree, that’s the main three (Maeda, McGregor and Carter-Vickers). You build it through your spine.”
Dodds’ view shows how often Maeda causes problems for defenders. His speed, movement and work rate make him a threat in every part of the game, whether Celtic are on top or chasing a goal.
Rodgers gains a lot from having someone who can pull defences apart and open up chances for his teammates, giving Celtic another edge in attack. McGregor brings calm in midfield and Carter-Vickers gives strength at the back, but Maeda is the one who can change a game in a moment.
Opposing coaches might set up to stop him, yet his energy and unpredictability often break those plans apart.
From his own experience, Dodds knows it is very rare to keep Maeda out of the game for the full 90 minutes.
