John Hartson isn’t convinced “clumsy” Celtic hero Daizen Maeda has the credentials to cut it in the Premier League.
The Hoops attacker has started the season well with six goals and two assists from the opening nine fixtures of the season and has had fans purring at his performances.
A routine criticism of the Japanese hitman, 26, has been his lack of cutting edge in the final third and former striker Hartson reckons that profligacy is one reason he’s not ready to cut it down south.
- READ MORE: John Hartson says ‘fantastic’ Celtic hero has been playing better than Nicolas Kuhn this season
Still, the big Welshman believes Maeda stands out in Scottish football with his pace, power and work ethic and he does add value to the league leaders even if he might not have what it takes to play at the elite level in England.
“Well, he’s a Japan international,” Hartson explained on Go Radio. “He’s played in World Cups and, along with Mitoma as well at Brighton, he’s very well respected in his homeland for Japan.
Daizen Maeda told he doesn’t have what it takes to play down south
“Whether or not he could make that step up to the Premier League level, I don’t think he’s technically great in terms of taking the ball in and showing that he’s got a wonderful touch and he’s got guile and things like this.
“I think sometimes he can be a bit clumsy, he can fall over the ball because I think he gets a little bit ahead of himself. But I think he’s a wonderful asset for Celtic in terms of the way that they play and the way they want to play.
“He can run in behind, he can close down.
“He’s a real, real pest. And I do believe he’s improved massively since he came in under Ange in terms of his goal-scoring.
“Whether or not he could step up to the Premier League, I’d be guessing.”
It comes after Hartson credited Maeda as Celtic’s top man this season amid teammate Nicolas Kuhn’s incredible run of form.
Maeda’s form has earned Celtic fan plaudits
The German has lashed in six goals and provided eight assists already this campaign but the club hero is convinced it’s his pal on the other flank who is more deserving of fan praise for his output.
“Maeda is improving his touch. His pace has always been there. He’s fantastic in terms of having a striker who closes down and works his socks off every single game. But I think he was labelled as someone like that.
“He works hard. He’s brilliant at closing down. But also, have a look at his ability. Have a look at the goals that he can score and the goals that he makes, actually. He goes around the full-back and he cuts it back. His assists are quite high at Celtic as well.
“So for me, yes, you can praise Kuhn, who’s done well, hasn’t started every game like Maeda has. So, you know, Maeda for me would be my choice.”
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