Shaun Ontong, who is a former coach for Ange Postecoglou during his time at Yokohama Marino’s, has hailed new Celtic star Daizen Maeda and claims the striker has another level in him.
Maeda has only played a handful of games for Celtic so far because he was away on international duty. He has been utilised up front and wide on the left by Ange since coming in. Maeda already has two goals to his name and looks to be settling into life at Celtic very well.
Speaking about the player and his drive while in Japan, Ontong believes we’ve not seen anything yet speaking to KEEPUP.
“Daizen took a little bit of time like most players coming into the environment to adapt. But he really embraced it. When Ange had the ability to let him off the leash and go and press, score goals.
“He put that belief into him and he really embraced it. You could see his true character come into play. I think this style of football, it just suits his game so much.
“He has a next level in him. He always had a hunger to learn. Great character. Even before, last year, he was studying English. He would practice with me sometimes. You always knew he had ambitions again to go.
“You see that a lot with some of the Japanese boys. Which ones are learning English, they are thinking next step for them.”
Shaun continued: “You couldn’t be prouder as a club for Daizen, knowing the kind of character he is,”
“Everyone here is. They do get behind the boys. Even Ange, around here, now Japan because he hasn’t just brought in Marinos players, it’s amazing how proud they are as a nation of what he is doing. How the Japanese boys have gone.
“The Japanese level of player is exceptional. You can see in a lot of teams.”
Kyogo is not expected back for a couple of weeks yet, Daizen has plenty of time to show everyone what he can do. Ange will soon have the option of playing one or both during games, if you want high-intensity pressing, having both players closing down defenders will be something to behold.
Celtic are currently top of the table with 13 games remaining, but there’s only one point in it. Everyone will have to dig deep if more silverware is going to come back to Celtic Park by May.
