Daizen Maeda played a critical role in Celtic securing a deserved point against Rangers on Sunday at Ibrox.
Martin O’Neill tasked the Celtic forward to play down the left channel, but then moved him centrally after being 2-0 down at the break.
Kris Boyd thinks that in the lead-up to Celtic winning a penalty following a handball from Dujon Sterling, the Rangers backline were ‘terrified’ of Maeda.
“I mean, it’s brilliant from Maeda, but as a defensive unit, again, from Rangers, there have to be questions asked,” said Boyd.
“I get that you are terrified of his pace. What is Fernandez doing? He is in no-man’s land there. He takes John Souttar under the ball, but he is the only one who reacts.”
What can Celtic do to help Daizen Maeda get back to his best?
Daizen Maeda is praised for his role in Celtic winning a penalty against Rangers
In years gone by, Maeda has caused Rangers many problems, but he just hasn’t been himself this season, so he has lost that spark.
But even then, and with James Tavernier sitting on the bench after being tormented by the Japan star for years, Celtic’s cult hero still had a say in this mammoth fixture.
Tavernier might not be on the pitch anymore, but it’s still the same players wearing the same colours who are scared of Maeda, as Boyd touched upon on Sky Sports Football.
“But if you go back to it, it’s great movement from Maeda as well,” said Boyd in the lead-up to Celtic’s penalty.
“He takes John Souttar beyond the front post and then gets away two or three yards to get the header as well.
“I mean, it’s brilliant from Maeda, but as a defensive unit, again, from Rangers, there have to be questions asked.
“I get that you are terrified of his pace. What is Fernandez doing? He is in no-man’s land there. He takes John Souttar under the ball, but he is the only one who reacts.
“The rest are just flat-footed. Standing there. Somebody else will do my job. Dujon Sterling comes in. You can see the arms outstretched. It’s handball. It’s brilliant from Maeda. But again, from Rangers’ point of view, the defending is shocking.”
Where does Maeda play against Rangers for the Scottish Cup tie?
Celtic return to Ibrox at the weekend for another huge showdown; this time, a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final is on the line.
But what will O’Neill do with Maeda, and does he even start? Perhaps a lot will depend on Celtic’s clash at Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
If Sebastian Tounekti starts and shines, then you have to keep him on the left flank.
Equally, if Tomas Cvancara returns to the XI, after remaining on the bench for the Rangers trip, then once again, you question if Maeda should start.
But after being handed a rating of 6.1 by Sofascore for his Ibrox showing, there won’t be many shouting for Maeda to start, even though he made that crucial contribution towards the end of the Rangers game.
- Minutes played: 90
- Total shots: 3
- Big chances missed: 1
- Accurate passes: 9/13
- Accurate passes in the opposition half: 5/8
- Touches: 25
- Unsuccessful touches: 1
- Was fouled: 1
- Possession lost: 8
- Carries: 8
- Sofascore rating: 6.1
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