As Celtic prepare to face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park this weekend, the Hoops head into the game knowing that a win will take them one step closer to a 55th league title. However, for one player, a goal against Simo Valakari’s side could push them even closer to history.
The last player to score in six consecutive league games was Odsonne Édouard, who achieved the landmark in February 2021. Before him, Scott Sinclair had an incredible start to his Celtic career, scoring in his first six league games, beginning with a dramatic stoppage-time winner off the bench on his debut against Hearts at Tynecastle. If Maeda scores against St Johnstone, he will join the ranks of these former Celtic stars, who set high standards for goalscoring streaks.
However, a place in Celtic’s recent history books isn’t the only thing Maeda is chasing. The Japanese forward has been in sensational form this season, with 30 goals to his name already. His brace against Hearts marked a huge moment, further solidifying his role as the Hoops’ main striker following Kyogo Furuhashi’s January departure. Out of his 35 Scottish Premiership goals, 11 have come since the turn of the year, showing his excellent form in the second half of the season.
Going even further back in Celtic’s rich history, legendary striker Jimmy McGrory set a remarkable record in the 1925-26 season, scoring in seven consecutive league games. Maeda now finds himself with history within his grasp. With his current form and the responsibility he has taken on in the absence of Kyogo, the Japanese forward could well continue this impressive streak and put his name into the Celtic history books.
For now, the focus will be on securing three points against St Johnstone, but with Maeda in this kind of form, Celtic fans will be hoping that another milestone is just around the corner.
