Celtic’s dominant 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Celtic Park was capped off in style by Daizen Maeda’s second goal of the night, and former Hoops striker Chris Sutton couldn’t help but highlight the Japanese star’s relentless energy.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the goal, Sutton joked: “He’ll probably run home this evening as well yet another goal for Daizen Maeda.” It was yet another example of Maeda’s tireless work rate, a quality that has made him a fan favourite at Parkhead.
Maeda’s Relentless Pressing
From the first whistle, Maeda was at his energetic best, constantly pressing Aberdeen’s backline and forcing mistakes. His non-stop running ensured Celtic remained on the front foot, disrupting Aberdeen’s attempts to play out from the back. Maeda is known for his relentless pressing and never appears tired, making him a nightmare for defenders. It’s no surprise that his efforts were rewarded in the dying moments of the match when he latched onto Alistair Johnston’s low cross to restore Celtic’s four-goal advantage.
A Clinical Performance
Celtic had already put the game beyond doubt by the time Maeda struck in stoppage time, but his hunger for goals never wavered. His second goal of the night marked his 25th of the season, further underlining his importance to Brendan Rodgers’ side. The quick VAR check confirmed what everyone already knew – Maeda had once again delivered when it mattered.
Chris Sutton has never been one to shy away from giving praise where it’s due, and his admiration for Maeda’s work ethic was clear to hear on commentary. The former Celtic striker has always valued players who give everything for the badge, and Maeda embodies that spirit. His incredible stamina and willingness to track back make him a part of the Celtoc team, ensuring that the Hoops remain solid both in attack and defence.
Eyes on the Treble
With another convincing win under their belts, Celtic continue their march towards the title and potential domestic treble. Maeda’s sensational form will be crucial as the Hoops push for another treble, and with performances like this, he is proving to be one of the most reliable players in Rodgers’ squad. His relentless energy is a nightmare for defenders and a dream for Celtic supporters, who will hope to see more of the same in the coming weeks.
Celtic fans will no doubt be celebrating another impressive performance, with Maeda at the heart of it all. Next up, the Hoops face St Mirren, and if Maeda has his way, he’ll likely be causing problems for another defence in no time.
