Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has had an amazing season with the Hoops, and it’s been recognised with some big awards. He won PFA Scotland Player of the Year, Top Goalscorer, Men’s Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year at Celtic’s end-of-season awards on Sunday night.
His hard work has paid off, and now Japan’s national team boss, Hajime Moriyasu, has spoken highly of him too.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Maeda has been huge for Celtic this season, scoring 33 goals in 48 games. His goals, energy, and work off the ball have helped the team in a big way. Celtic fans have loved watching him play, and it’s no surprise he’s been praised for his all-round performances.
Moriyasu has been a big supporter of Maeda for a long time. He has picked Maeda for Japan’s national team, even when others like Kyogo and Reo Hatate weren’t starting or even in squads.
He said: (RecordSport), “We now have many players in the squad who can score goals. Daizen’s shown that quality many times this season. He has outstanding physical fitness and superb skills.
“But more importantly, he has an extremely high football IQ. He’s a thinker with a deep understanding of the game. He not only scores, but links the entire team with his all-round play.
“Japanese football is facing a happy problem – we have more and more world-class players. It’s certainly a good thing, but as a coach I also have to make painful decisions.
“If we can get the whole country behind us at the next World Cup and with the players we have in the squad, we have a chance of lifting the trophy.”
With Japan already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, Maeda is expected to play an important role. Moriyasu mentioned that Japan has a “happy problem” with so many top players now, but he’s clearly confident that the team can go far in the World Cup.
For Celtic fans, it’s been great watching Maeda shine this season. With the World Cup just around the corner, it’s clear he’ll be a key player for Japan next summer.
All eyes will be on Maeda as he continues to impress both for Celtic and Japan. After the season he’s had, Maeda is also set to be offered a new deal this summer. If he does sign, he will be one of the first names on the team sheet, with the attack built around him.
