For much of the season, Daizen Maeda has been the standout player for Celtic, and as we approach the business end of the seaspn, he is now the clear favourite for both Celtic and Scottish Player of the Year. The Japanese international has been a relentless force in the Hoops’ attack, delivering big goals and moments while epitomising the Hoops’ high-intensity style of football.

Kühn’s Dip in Form

At one stage, Nicolas Kühn was a serious contender for the award. His dazzling performances since the beginning of the season made him an instant fan favourite, with his creativity and directness giving Celtic an extra edge in attack. However, since the turn of the year, his form has dipped, and while he still remains an important player, he is no longer the frontrunner for the award. In contrast, Maeda has only grown more consistent as the season has progressed, particularly when deployed as a centre-forward following Kyogo’s January departure.

Schmeichel’s Underappreciated Impact

Despite Maeda’s dominance in the Player of the Year conversation, former Scotland international Gavin Rae has suggested that one summer signing has flown under the radar—Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper arrived with big shoes to fill after Joe Hart’s retirement, and according to Rae, he has done so brilliantly. Speaking to The Sunday Post, Rae praised Schmeichel’s distribution and composure on the ball, qualities that have elevated only Celtic’s build-up play.

A Strong Case for the Award

Rae believes Schmeichel deserves to be in the running for Player of the Year. “Kasper has been exceptional. He had a hard act to follow in Joe Hart, but Kasper is probably better with his feet, and that’s what has made him such a brilliant signing,” Rae said. “It looked like Nicolas Kühn had that locked away until he dropped off around Christmas, and Daizen Maeda is up there now for obvious reasons. But Kasper should be in the running too. Things couldn’t have gone much better for him in his first season in Scotland.”

While Maeda remains the clear favourite, Schmeichel’s performances should not go unnoticed. The Danish shot-stopper has brought a level of assurance to Celtic’s backline, and if he continues at this level, he may well find himself in serious contention for the award by season’s end.