Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has praised Daizen Maeda’s performance following his 73-minute outing in the 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia during the international break.
Although the Celtic forward didn’t get on the scoresheet, his relentless work rate and pressing earned him plaudits from his national team boss.
The boss praised the pressing on show from the striker, which comes as no surprise to Celtic fans.
He told Soccer Play: “He was able to press from the front and attack vertically and quickly, and he created chances in today’s game.
“He was highly praised for his ability to press up front and attack fast and vertically, and he created chances in today’s game.
“Fast vertical attacks will become a necessity, and chasing from the front is something we will have to work on as the level of our opponents increases.
“I think he did a good job today of creating a flow while showing his strengths.”
The 27-year-old returns to Celtic in impressive form and with glowing feedback from the Japan camp.
He’s a regular in the side, and was at the last World Cup, where he was actually on the scoresheet for his country.
Maeda is returning from the World Cup qualifiers, with reports emerging over the player’s future. If reports are to be believed, Maeda is set to sign a new Celtic deal and is happy in Glasgow with his young family.
The Japanese international’s current deal is set to expire in two years, so signing on beyond 2027 will please many Celtic fans.
He’s been scoring for fun this season, on 28 goals for Celtic across all competitions, and is by clear the front-runner for the Player of the Year award. But first, the man from Japan will be looking to net a few more goals as Celtic chase the treble.
