Juranovic and Abada respond as new Celtic star thanks supporters on Instagram

By Euan Davidson

January 18, 2022

Instagram is one of the trappings of modern football, and new Celtic star Daizen Maeda is no different.

Where he is different, though? Well, not many players have scored within 5 minutes of their Celtic debut. Maeda, though, has fit in right away in Green and White, and his team-mates have been quick to praise their new colleague.

The Japanese international took to Instagram to thank Celtic supporters and lay down his ambitions after making a remarkably fast start to life in Glasgow. Maeda cooly finished from close range after impressive pressing from Liel Abada.

Maeda said to his 68,000 followers [Instagram]: “I’m massively happy I scored and contributed to the team.

“I’m looking forward to the next game and contributing more. Thank you all for your amazing support.

This was followed by another post, capturing the atmosphere at Paradise for his Instagram followers.

Liel Abada, and fellow goalscorer on the night Josip Juranovic, were quick to show their support for the new Celtic striker.

Juranovic scored from the spot, securing a 2-0 lead that Celtic saw out. The Croatian international was quick to praise his new teammates, and speak about the “incredible” talent in the Hoops’ dressing room.

As is customary, they responded in emoji form:

All in, quite a night for Daizen Maeda.

His goal-scoring antics were followed and hailed by his parent club, Yokohama F Marinos. Ange’s former side also explained the celebration Maeda did after scoring, and its reference to Anpanman, a popular Japanese character.

Reo Hatate also debuted, winning Man of the Match in a fantastic display. The third of Celtic’s early-window recruits, Yosuke Ideguchi, impressed in a cameo.

Celtic debut couldn’t have been much better for Daizen Maeda

Nearly 24 hours on, it’s always good to reflect. That’s what Maeda’s done, and you have to feel as if the move has already been more than justified in his mind.

He would’ve been sold on the Celtic Park atmosphere. The fans absolutely delivered. Maeda would’ve been told he’d have hard-working team-mates around him creating opportunities. That happened. Perhaps foremost, he would’ve been promised by Ange Postecoglou that he’d be an important part of the team, in a style he’s comfortable with.

All boxes ticked, it’s fair to say.

Of course, we can’t get carried away by a debut. Let’s not go projecting how many he’ll score. No xG or anything like that yet, please.

However, if Maeda had doubts, concerns, even nerves about this move, he’ll be feeling a lot better today. A goal-scoring debut, and new team-mates ready to back you to the hilt. That, and a packed home ground of fans desperate for you to succeed.

Not half bad a situation, is it?

Read more: Australia boss Graham Arnold on Celtic manager and “winner” Ange Postecoglou