Daizen Maeda has transformed into one of the most important players for Celtic. This change in fulcrum came soon after Kyogo Furuhashi’s January 2024 departure for Rennes. With a remarkable season, Maeda has not only filled the void left by Furuhashi but has showcased his development as a player, contributing significantly to Celtic’s success. The club recently secured its fourth straight league crown, with Maeda instrumental in the club’s success.
Since joining Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022 under then-manager Ange Postecoglou, Daizen Maeda has transformed from a relative unknown into a key player. First, he netted eight times in 2021/22 before an explosive breakout campaign where he finished with 11 goals in 2022/23. His scoring prowess only got better from there, as he scored 10 goals in the current 2023/24 campaign. Yet, this latest campaign was something of a perfect storm to highlight and emphasize Maeda’s unique skills. He netted a remarkable 33 times in total and became the Premiership top goalscorer with 16 league goals to his name.
Maeda’s performance has notably surged since Furuhashi’s exit. Since January, he has netted 11 league goals. That’s more than double his total from the first two months of the season! Celtic’s fortune turned, largely due to Adam Idah’s dramatic intervention. After Furuhashi left, the most common option for the team was often left with him being the only recognized striker played.
The manager has at least opened negotiations with the club’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond. They’re talking about extending Maeda’s deal beyond the summer of 2027.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season. Wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. So of course you would love to tie up one of your best players.” – Brendan Rodgers
Over the years, Maeda’s growth has been characterized by his spectacular technical development. This is evident in his performance on the pitch, showing a more technical side to his game that enhances his goal-scoring prowess beyond just finding the net. This evolution has turned him into a truly irreplaceable piece to the team’s tactics.
“I’ve spoken with Dermot and the club and spoken with the player. Hopefully in the future that is something that can be done,” – Brendan Rodgers
Beyond the impressive scoring achievements, Maeda’s tireless work on and off the court has been recognized. Rodgers highlighted that talent should be met with just as much effort.
From the first match of the season, Maeda was one of the main bright spots for Celtic. His input has been invaluable and is evident in how quickly the club has gained ground and achieved success. He found the net an impressive 19 times in all competitions before Postecoglou’s summer departure for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
“No matter how many you score or assist, if you don’t work hard, it’s not good.” – Brendan Rodgers
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton talked up Maeda’s influence on the team. We’ve seen how much he lobbied for getting a third year on the contract to guarantee Maeda’s longevity at the club.
As Celtic celebrates its latest title win, Daizen Maeda stands out not only for his remarkable goal tally but for his overall impact and development as a player. The direction of the club’s management is clearly focused on making sure that he is central to their plans in the long-term.
As Celtic celebrates its latest title win, Daizen Maeda stands out not only for his remarkable goal tally but also for his overall impact and development as a player. The club’s management is keen on ensuring that he remains an integral part of their plans moving forward.
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