There appeared to be some sort of myth in the narrative surround Daizen Maeda lacking ability but the Japanese winger continues to put in the performances for Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates after Jota scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine
Maeda arrived at Celtic in January and made an instant impact, scoring on his debut against Hibs.
The 24-year old was a crucial signing at the turn of the year that helped Postecoglou’s side win the league title with the winger playing 22 matches contributing eight goals along with 5 assists.
He was a player that Postecoglou knew very well from his time in Japan having been Maeda’s boss at Yokohama F. Marinos.
The Australian knows all about his qualities and what he gets from the Japanese international during a game.
Along with Jota, both players have a great interchangeability which Postecoglou likes to use throughout games as both can play on either wing.
It gives him a flexibility and continues to challenge teams with both players being very hard to handle.
Maeda will have his eyes set on the World Cup this year having already represented his national side seven times in his career so far.
If he keeps up the form he is currently experiencing he will be a stick on to be selected by Hajime Moriyasu for the squad with Japan having matches against Germany, Spain and Costa Rica.
So far, in four games Maeda has already provided three assists in his first four appearances for Celtic this season. Along with his minutes he is currently averaging an assist every 74 minutes in the league this season.
The winger will be hoping for that incredible record to continue with him providing the assist for the Hoops opening goal against Hearts.
It looks all but likely that Sead Hakšabanović will join Celtic at some point this month with the forward likely to add further depth to the Celtic squad. Competition is healthy and the Montenegrin will be pushing the likes of Maeda even further
