Celtic told they have ‘top, top class’ player and why they must tie him down on new deal

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic will be Scottish Premiership champions this season with a Treble still on the docket.

The Hoops have the likes of Callum McGregor, Nicolas Kuhn and Kasper Schmeichel to thank for yet another title victory.

It’s another player in Daizen Maeda who has been the absolute standout for Celtic this term and his 30 goals for the club could be added to further by the end of the campaign.

Maeda has taken his game to another level, as Alan Hutton explained earlier this afternoon and fellow pundit Michael Stewart believes the same.

• READ MORE: What we learned from Celtic’s convincing Hearts win as playmaker rivals Daizen Maeda for top man

Daizen Maeda dubbed ‘top class’ at Celtic

But the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder went one further as he claimed Maeda has become “top, top class” at Parkhead because of how he has improved in front of goal.

“That end product has gone to a different level this season whereas previously, in the wide areas, he’d get into great areas, slash at it and it would go into the stand,” Stewart told Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club show.

“That doesn’t happen very often now and the first goal vs Hearts is the perfect example of that. Running through on goal, great composure, opens his body and you’re expecting the net to bulge.

“It’s no surprise when he’s doing that so regularly that he’s hit the 30 goal mark.

“He is a top, top class player now and there’s a bit of chat about Celtic wanting to extend his contract now, he has two years left, but you can understand why.”

Brendan Rodgers wants Maeda on new Celtic contract

Maeda is still contracted until 2027 but manager Brendan Rodgers wants the player tied down to an extension as speedily as possible.

Rodgers has already told how he has spoken with money men at the club about Maeda’s future and it remains to be seen whether or not the hitman will put pen to paper.

The gaffer said: “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.”