Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers thinks winger Daizen Maeda is becoming an ‘iconic figure’ in green and white after starring in yesterday’s Premier Sports Cup final.
The 27-year-old put the Hoops ahead for the first time an hour into the game, creating an opportunity from next to nothing after latching onto a loose Nicolas Raskin pass in the middle of the park.
Maeda eventually got in behind the opposition backline and fired under a helpless Jack Butland to net his third goal in four Glasgow derbies.
After the attacker put his side ahead, strikes from Mohamed Diomande, Nicolas Kuhn, and Danilo saw the game head to extra time and, ultimately, penalties.
Maeda stepped up to take the decisive spot-kick, and there was no real doubt that he would expertly dispatch it.
Although he later admitted that he ‘mishit’ the ball, the electric wide-man rejoiced in one of the crowning moments of his Hoops career to date.
Post-match, his boss Rodgers heaped praise on him. The Celtic manager was asked about Maeda’s contribution yesterday in his post-match press conference: “Yes, it was fantastic,” he said (The Celtic Way).
“I think that he’s up against an opponent who’s really, really good going forward. So he has to do that work. But then he has that persistence and mentality to do it on the other side as well.
“So, yes, he’s becoming a real iconic figure here at the club, with and without the ball. I’m delighted for him.”
Maeda has contributed to 14 Celtic goals this season, six of which have either been in the Champions League or against Rangers.
He is a consistent big-game performer for his side who always proves reliable when called upon.
