Daizen Maeda is enjoying a remarkable season in front of goal, and the Japanese forward now finds himself on the brink of making history at Celtic. With 25 goals already to his name, Maeda needs just five more to surpass Odsonne Édouard’s best scoring campaign for the Hoops in 2019-20.
Breaking Personal Records
Maeda’s 25-goal taly has already shattered his previous personal bests. His previous top-scoring season came in the J-League with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he netted 23 times. At Celtic, his highest tally before this season was 11 during the 2022/23 campaign. This year, he has more than doubled that figure, highlighting his evolution as a lethal attacking player.
Aiming for the 30-Goal Club
If Maeda reaches the 30-goal mark, he will join an elite group of Celtic strikers in the post-Henrik Larsson era to hit that milestone. Only seven other players have done so in the last two decades:
- Kyogo Furuhashi – 34 (2022/23)
- Moussa Dembélé – 32 (2016/17)
- Leigh Griffiths – 40 (2015/16)
- Kris Commons – 32 (2013/14)
- Gary Hooper – 31 (2012/13)
- Scott McDonald – 31 (2007/08)
- John Hartson – 30 (2004/05)
Joining this exclusive club would cement Maeda’s place among the top Celtic forwards in recent years.
A Key Player in Rodgers’ System
Under Brendan Rodgers, Maeda has thrived, not only with his goals but with his relentless work rate and ability to stretch defences. His movement and pace have made him a constant threat, and his finishing has improved significantly this season. While his pressing game has always been a hallmark of his game, his ability to find the net consistently has taken his game to another level.
Chasing Glory in a Crucial Run-In
With Celtic fighting on multiple fronts to seal another domestic treble, Maeda’s goals could prove crucial in the race for silverware. His current form suggests that reaching the 30-goal mark is a real possibility, and if he does, he will further solidify his reputation as one of the Hoops’ most important players.
The Celtic faithful will be hoping Maeda can maintain his impressive scoring streak as he continues to chase down history and possibly Celtic and Scottish Player of the Year.
