Is there a better player to watch in a Celtic shirt when Daizen Maeda is in full flow?
It has been noticeable for large parts of this season that Maeda just hasn’t been himself, with previous talk over his future, and Celtic’s own problems all playing their part in that.
But last Saturday, Celtic saw off Falkirk in the opening post-split fixtures, with Maeda netting a brace, as O’Neill shared, leading up to the Hibernian match, what he is noticing about his all-action forward now.
“He has got the bit between the teeth now, at this moment,” said O’Neill. “It has been really terrific from him and by him.”
Was that Daizen Maeda’s best performance of the season?
Martin O’Neill highlights Daizen Maeda’s current state at Celtic
Celtic enjoyed a fruitful April, winning all four games, including beating St Mirren in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
Maeda helped himself to three goals during that period, not even noting how many goals, due to his pressing, led to those goals.
But O’Neill was rightfully named Manager of the Month for April, and he expressed his delight at picking up the award, while lauding Maeda’s change in form, as he told Celtic TV.
“He has got the bit between the teeth now, at this moment,” said O’Neill. “He is really up for it, and he has led by example. It has been really terrific from him and by him.”
On winning Manager of the Month for April: “Even at 74, it’s still actually nice to get it. But you are absolutely right. This is work by the players and the coaches.
“I have seriously played a little part in proceedings. But not as much as I should be getting this award.
“Sometimes, knowing me, I think that momentum could be stopped pretty quickly. However, you are absolutely right, at this minute, we are on a decent run. We are getting results at this moment. The team are just gelling, I just feel. Famous last words.
“But I feel as if we are. There are some monumental games ahead of us, starting on Sunday.”
Maeda’s record under O’Neill
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Maeda leaves Celtic in the summer, after previously wanting to head for the exit door, but not getting his wish.
Hopefully, the Japan star, who was signed under Ange Postecoglou in 2022, leaves on a high because he will go down as a modern-day great at Celtic Park.
There are signs, as proven by Maeda’s record under O’Neill, that this form can continue and he can lead Celtic to an unlikely domestic double.
- Maeda’s games under O’Neill: 28
- Starts: 24
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 5
- Total minutes: 2,199
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