Celtic told what Daizen Maeda ‘comfortably gets away with’ in Scotland compared to Europe

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It has been a quiet start to the new season at Celtic for Daizen Maeda.

The news of Maeda wanting to leave this summer doesn’t help matters, but he is still Scotland’s PFA Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign.

That came about after Maeda played down the middle during the second half of last season, after Kyogo Furuhashi had left during the January transfer window.

But with Kelechi Iheanacho now in the building, as well as the exciting Sebastian Tounekti, and making very strong starts to life in Glasgow, where does Maeda play, and how does Brendan Rodgers go about it?

• READ MORE: Who is Daizen Maeda? Meet Celtic’s energetic, free-scoring talisman

Daizen Maeda’s best position at Celtic

Everyone is aware of Maeda’s attitude to get the ball and make things happen, and it is what has made him a popular player with the Celtic fans.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Ian McCall explained how the Japan star is better off playing on the left for the European matches because he can ‘comfortably get away with’ playing as a striker on the domestic scene.

“In terms of Maeda, you ask what his best position is. I think, against the bigger teams in Europe, it is playing off the left,” said McCall.

“I think you get away with him, comfortably, playing through the middle in Scottish football. I don’t think anybody can question his attitude. I think that’s a big part of his makeup.

“He certainly isn’t the most naturally gifted finisher. But his attitude to work with, goodness me, it’s phenomenal.”

Maeda’s goals per position at Celtic

Maeda has played four games on the left this term, and three down the middle, with two goals to his name.

But his numbers, in those positions, were rather interesting during the previous campaign, including scoring against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.