Daizen Maeda has proven his importance to Celtic fans after signing with the club in December 2021.
Maeda, one of three new Japanese newcomers, made an immediate impact, scoring inside four minutes of his debut against Hibs in a 2-0 victory at Celtic Park the following January.
With 107 appearances, 27 goals, and 16 assists, Meada’s value to the squad extends not just to his offensive contributions, but also to his defensive duties.
And it appears that Maeda’s farewell match for Japan, as well as his upcoming battle against Syria, have taken on a completely new dimension.
The Celtic winger is probably better known for his defensive duties in the game than his attacking ability.
His work rate for closing down and tracking back is excellent. And it appears that Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu plans to capitalise on that in the Samurai Blues’ forthcoming match against Syria on Tuesday by playing him as a left wingback.
Maeda stated [Soccer Digest Web], “Of course, I don’t know who will be in the match, but when I play, I have to be different (from Keito Nakamura).
“The opponents will come in a situation where they need to win, so I think it will be a difficult match. I want to make sure I’m fired up.
“Wing-backs have to run longer distances and I think I can use my weapons (speed and running ability) more than other players, but it becomes hard if I do that all the time for 90 minutes.
“It’s important to use your head and think about when to come up. In a way, it’s a position I’ve never played before, so it’s fresh and I’m looking forward to it. I want to do what I can do against strong opponents.
“This season the coach changed (from Ange Postecoglou to Brendan Rodgers) and the style of football changed, so it was difficult at first, but my role didn’t change much and I was able to play well.
“I want to show the results of that in the last game of the season (against Syria) and finish in a good way.”
Is this a role in which Brendan Rodgers could use Maeda? I would have to think it’s doubtful. The Celtic manager is a big fan of the 4-3-3 formation and is unlikely to modify it anytime soon.
What is encouraging to hear is that Maeda is open to change and adaptable enough to recognise the changes he needs to make to succeed not only with Japan but also with Celtic.
The Hoops fans will be praying that Maeda completes his international duty without injury so that he can relax for the upcoming season.
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