It was a heartbreaking defeat for Daizen Maeda and his Japan side.
On Monday, Japan were beaten by Brazil as they exited the World Cup at the round of 32 stage, with Maeda starting the match and watching Gabriel Martinelli score a stoppage-time winner from the bench.
The must-watch World Cup showdown between two outstanding sides was broadcast live on ITV for viewers in the United Kingdom.
Providing analysis during the coverage from New York was Ange Postecoglou, the man who famously brought Maeda to Celtic in 2022, sparking a success story where the rest is now well and truly history.
At half-time, with Japan leading 1-0, Postecoglou pointed towards Japan’s pressing, including how Maeda was a standout in that department.
The Treble-winning Celtic hero singled out Maeda’s efforts, including how his pressing without the ball was ‘world-class.’
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Ange Postecoglou lauds Daizen Maeda’s pressing against Brazil
“If they press at the right times like this, they will make it very, very difficult for Brazil,” said Postecoglou.
“You can’t do it for 45 minutes at that tempo. But you have Maeda, I have said it before, this guy is absolutely world-class at this.
“It may seem like a small thing. But his pressing ability. Just watch him close down space here. He takes a touch, before you know it, bang, he is on the ball.”
The footballing world learns about the all-action Maeda
For those who don’t tune into Celtic week in and week out, welcome to the world of Maeda.
This is the 28-year-old at his best. It’s the key part of his game, and there aren’t many players across the footballing world who can match him without the ball.
Against the huge name of Brazil, and on football’s biggest stage, despite Japan’s heartbreaking knockout defeat, Maeda still stood tall and made himself known once again.
It probably increases Maeda’s chances of leaving Celtic, because there has been noise around his name for a while now.
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