Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda has stated that he’s yet to show the true potential of his “overwhelming speed” in Scottish football.
Maeda wowed the Celtic supporters with his determination to close down the opposition last season and use every ounce of energy at his disposal. This often led to Scottish opposition making rash decisions or being forced into key errors in their own defensive third.
The Japanese international’s attacking intensity and hunger to retrieve possession became a key tool for Ange Postecoglou’s side. It played a big role in helping reinvigorate the team during the second half of the campaign too.
But in comments that will terrify defences across Scottish football, Daizen has stated that there’s an even higher level he intends to reach when it comes to his pressing game.
As quoted by Japanese outlet Number Web, Maeda said: “If you run as hard as you can in different places, eventually a lucky ball will come to you. That’s what I think. I want to continue with this attitude. In my mind, goals are scored when I can get them, and when I can’t, I can’t. That’s how I see it. That’s how I see it. There is an element of luck involved in scoring goals, so it is important to fight for the team even when you can’t score.
“In Scotland, we have a culture that loves players who run and fight hard. I think people like a fast athlete wherever they go. I need to keep bringing that speed to the table. I want to make it more than it is now. I want to show my overwhelming speed. I don’t think I have shown it yet.”
Daizen Maeda ready to show new levels of energy at Celtic
Maeda’s speed and energy levels are the 2 biggest parts of his arsenal. It’s what makes him the player he is and is exactly why supporters up and down the country absolutely adore him.
He epitomises what Celtic supporters love to see in their footballers. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you aren’t ready to run through brick walls for the green-and-white jersey, you’ll be quickly found out. Instead, Daizen’s desire to do just that for the Hoops has led to cult hero status amongst the fanbase.
However, on the other side, defences across Scotland absolutely hate coming up against him. They simply don’t get peace when on the ball and are rushed into making decisions they probably wouldn’t have done if Maeda wasn’t putting on such an intense press.
It’s mind-boggling to think there’s an even bigger level to come from Daizen. At least when it comes to his pressing game. He clearly plans to be quicker and even more intense next term. A thought that will send shivers down the spines of every backline in the Scottish Premiership.
For Celtic supporters, it’ll be fascinating to see what that actually looks like. After all, you can’t imagine in your head Maeda being even more intense and determined than he was last season.
He isn’t the only Celtic player to have spoken about taking his game to new heights next term of course. It’s already shaping up to be a hugely exciting 2022/23 for the Hoops.
In other news, “I’m absolutely determined”; Yosuke Ideguchi ready to seriously step things up at Celtic
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