Daizen Maeda notes surprise position he’s ‘most happy at’ as Celtic star adapts

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Daizen Maeda has been in superb form for Celtic this season.

Maeda’s stats in the Scottish Premiership show that he has been one of Celtic’s most consistent performers this season already.

With six goals and two assists over all competitions so far, Daizen Maeda has been one of Celtic’s most potent attackers this season.

But it seems that playing in the attacking third is not the Celtic winger’s preference as Maeda outlines a surprising position he would ‘prefer’ to play.

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda ‘prefers’ wing-back role

Currently, on international duty with Japan, Maeda has been speaking to the media and says he would like to take on a role where he gets to defend a little bit more.

Maeda told the Daily Record, “I personally think that when we play three defenders at the back as we are doing now, I am most happy as a wingback. I prefer being out wider than in the middle.

“I think my strengths are my ability to push forward and drop back too, so I think that’s where I’m at my best. And being able to play in many different positions will broaden my horizons as a player and as a team, so I want to play well in the position I’m asked to play.

“I enjoy pushing forward, but I want to help the team as much as possible and I am quite happy to drop back and defend when needed.

“I try to keep a good balance and I like to think I can recover quickly because of my pace. My aim is to continue to play for my national team for as long as possible and I am happy playing anywhere.”

Celtic couldn’t afford to lose Daizen Maeda’s attacking qualities

Since joining Celtic in December 2021, Maeda’s work-rate, pace and energy have blown away Scottish football and even some of the best defenders in Europe.

However, in 116 appearances for Celtic, the Japan star has scored 35 goals and created 18 assists. And let’s not forget how much Rangers’ players hate playing against the Celtic winger.

The fact is, the Japanese is very effective in the attacking third for Celtic. His defending from the front also helps to unnerve teams and force them into mistakes which helps the Hoops retain possession quicker.

Whether the 26-year-old gets his wish to play in his preferred role for Celtic is one thing but Brendan Rodgers will not want to lose Maeda who is so effective at pressing as that is central to how the Celtic manager likes to play.