Daizen Maeda is proving he can be counted on just when Celtic need him most.
These post-split fixtures spoke for themselves. If Celtic won every game, then they are champions again, and so far, that’s exactly what is happening.
The catalyst of it all has been Daizen Maeda, who has scored in four consecutive matches in all competitions, including in the Glasgow derby on Sunday.
Maeda’s overhead kick was one for the ages, and many have lauded the Celtic forward for his efforts, including Auston Trusty, who summed up what he means to everyone at the club.
“Absolutely (Maeda’s running around non-stop rubs off on everyone else),” said Trusty.
“When you see someone working their butt off, defensively and offensively, getting in every spot, tracking back, even being a number nine, tracking back and making defensive plays in the box, it only helps the team.”
Is Daizen Maeda a Celtic legend?
Auston Trusty says Daizen Maeda is one of the best he’s ever played with
Trusty has been on Arsenal’s books, including representing his home nation of the United States of America.
But the hard-hitting centre-back didn’t hesitate to state that Maeda is ‘one of the best players’ he has ever played with.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after Celtic’s win over Rangers, Trusty agreed that the Japan star is ‘one of the most remarkable players’ he has ever played with.
“I didn’t think he was going to do that,” said Trusty about Maeda’s overhead kick. “But I think the goal of the year. Yang has already won it. Yang’s goal last time was really good, but Daizen’s is definitely up there; that’s for sure.
On whether Maeda is one of the ‘most remarkable players you have known’: “Yeah, he’s fantastic,” added Trusty.
“He’s one of the best players I have ever played with. I think having a guy like that on your side, defensively and offensively, you definitely want him on your side; that’s for sure.
“Absolutely (Maeda’s running around non-stop rubs off on everyone else). When you see someone working their butt off, defensively and offensively, getting in every spot, tracking back, even being a number nine, tracking back and making defensive plays in the box, it only helps the team.”
Maeda’s stats during post-split fixtures
It all started with Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren.
Maeda is known for forcing the opposition players into mistakes, and he did that inside the first minute when the St Mirren goalkeeper was panicked in front of a packed-out Hampden crowd.
That sprang Maeda into life, and now he is showcasing the form that saw him win Scotland’s PFA Player of the Year last season.
- Maeda’s post-split games: 3
- Starts: 3
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 1
- Sofascore ratings: 9.3 vs Falkirk, 6.5 vs Hibs, and 8.0 vs Rangers
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