Celtic and Japan attacker Daizen Maeda has credited Ange Postecoglou for his part to play, in helping his mindset as a forward player.
The 10-time capped international is currently away with his national side, playing his part at the 2022 World Cup out in Qatar.
Maeda has led the line in two of Japan’s group stage games against Germany and Spain, whilst he also came off the bench against Costa Rica.
The Celtic forward helped his country achieve shock qualification from the group stages, and they will now face off against Croatia later on this afternoon.
The 24-year-old is expected to keep his starting place as the striker in Japan’s starting 11 if Hajime Moriyasu decides not to spring any surprises.
Although Maeda has only scored one goal in his ten appearances for his country and is yet to get off the mark at this tournament, that is not something that is concerning him. And he has Ange Postecoglou to thank for that.
Speaking ahead of Japan’s last 16 tie later on today, Maeda stated his intent of how much he would love to be on the scoresheet as a forward player.
However, after plenty of advice over the years from Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F Marinos and Celtic, the Hoops man knows that if he continues to work hard for the team, his opportunity will come.
He said [Soccer King]: “Of course, as a forward, I always want to score goals, but if I do it for the team, the ball will come one day, as coach [Ange Postecoglou] always says at Celtic.
“If you’re doing it for the team, you’ll get a chance, including a spilled ball. If I believe in that and run, I think it will come someday.”
After playing an hour against a tough Spain side, Maeda completed an impressive 60 sprints, which won’t come as a surprise to the Celtic support, seeing the winger work tirelessly for his team.
The former J-League top scorer opened up on that ability, stating that he doesn’t tire despite all the running, and he is happy to do so in order to help the team.
He continued: “I don’t know if it’s a lot or a little, but I think it’s necessary if it helps the team. I don’t feel like I’m running out of gas like that, so I’m going as far as I can go.
“Even if I’m playing alone, I’ll be left out, so I’m addicted to it because the team is following me, and I think we’re able to play these kinds of matches because we’re playing tactics as a team, we’re challenging, and we’re successful.”
Maeda continues to credit Postecoglou as tireless work pays off at the World Cup.
Although Maeda has had his struggles in front of goal at times, he will always work hard to produce for both club and country. And that was on display during Japan’s impressive win over the former World Cup winners last Thursday.
The Celtic winger may not have been directly involved in his team’s goal. However, his pressing of the Spanish goalkeeper played a big part.
Ange Postecoglou has been a large feature of Maeda’s career, having signed him at both Yokohama F Marinos and Celtic, and it is clear to see the influence he has.
On several occasions, we have heard the Japanese international praise the Celtic manager, and previously he has even described him as a father figure.
So, it comes as no surprise to hear that Maeda continues to carry Postecoglou’s advice to the World Cup, and it looks to be paying off.
He may not score at this World Cup. But, what you cannot deny, is that Maeda worked his socks off for his team and played a big role in helping them reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
I am sure that is an attitude we will see the attacker continue to carry with him at Parkhead, too, as he looks to improve his all-round game
In other news, Kyogo shares class details behind Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic blueprint.
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