Brendan Rodgers lauds Celtic hero with ‘big superpower’ who is setting a benchmark for teammates

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Celtic have understandably been drawing lots of praise in recent days for their perfect start to the 2024/25 season.

From defence to attack, Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys have been in stellar form with five wins from their opening five competitive fixtures.

Sunday’s derby against Rangers was further proof that Celtic have opened up a chasm on every other team in the country and fans are excited to see what the team can achieve in the upcoming Champions League.

One player particularly attracting attention is Japanese star Daizen Maeda. He’s netted three goals and assisted twice in four games this term, also scoring for his country on Thursday against China.

Daizen Maeda described as ‘amazing’ by Celtic boss

His manager is leading the chorus of praise. In a new interview with Celtic TV, Rodgers highlighted what he’s enjoying so much about Maeda’s contribution at the moment.

The Bhoys boss said: “It’s his big superpower – his running, athleticism and ability to press. From a defensive perspective, it brings an incredible integrity to the team.

“He’s not on his own. Everyone has to do it. He sets a great benchmark in terms of how to press. There are not many who can do it like him.

“Off the ball, as always, his intensity, his running and his commitment to the team was amazing.

“With the ball, what’s been really nice is he’s getting into a habit of scoring goals. You can only do that by getting into the right areas. His discipline to arrive in the right areas at the right time gets him his opportunities.”

End product effort can charge up Maeda hype

Everyone knows Maeda is industrious and does so much – often unheralded – work for his teammates. As Rodgers notes though he’s been a consistent contributor in terms of end product so far this season, too.

If he can add regular goals and assists to his overall game he will be undroppable from the Celtic line-up.

He reached double figures for goals in each of his last two seasons at 10 and 11. However, he has the potential to push those numbers up towards 20 with increasing confidence and responsibility.

Celtic need to replace the totals that Matt O’Riley provided last term and Maeda can be one of a few who add more goals to their game, spreading the scoring across the team.