The one thing Daizen Maeda has done at Celtic this season that has taken game to ‘another level’

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Daizen Maeda has come on leaps and bounds this season to become Celtic’s top man.

The Japanese attacker is player of the year shoo-in at the club this term as he continues to chase records set by former Celtic stars.

Maeda has stunned Hoops fans with his staggering 30 goals for the campaign so far with seven matches still to come. The striker has also promised a hat-trick in his next outing.

So it’s easy to see how Maeda has been at his best under Brendan Rodgers.

• READ MORE: Why Brendan Rodgers is set to find out how Daizen Maeda really feels at Celtic

Daizen Maeda’s finishing for Celtic has dramatically improved

For Alan Hutton, the former Scotland defender believes Maeda has come on leaps and bounds in one particular facet of his game which is how he has added so many goals to his game to dwarf every other season he’s had in Glasgow.

“The minute (Maeda) gets in in front of goal like that, the first thing that comes to mind is goal,” Hutton said on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social pod.

“He’s just… his finishing has went to another level this season.

“I just felt Celtic had more gears to go through if they needed, to be honest. They were gonna pick you off and that’s exactly what they did.”

Maeda certainly hasn’t always been that prolific in front of goal for Celtic.

The attacker has often been guilty in previous seasons of ballooning efforts over the crossbar when it looked easier to hit the target at the very least.

What Brendan Rodgers has said about new Celtic deal for Maeda

Now that he has seemingly come out the other end of that bad habit and really honed in skills in front of goal, Celts are reaping the benefits.

Rodgers hopes to tie him down on a new contract and the manager has revealed he has already held discussions with Dermot Desmond and the Parkhead money men.

Asked if he wants to get the deal done, Rodgers responded: “Absolutely, if there is that possibility to do that. I’ve spoken with Dermot [Desmond] and the club and spoken with the player. Hopefully in the future that is something that can be done.

“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.”