The dust is starting to settle on Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup final victory over Rangers after the Bhoys toppled their rivals in a six-goal showpiece at Hampden Park.
Brendan Rodgers will have managed less nerve-inducing matches in his life, but the dramatic nature of a penalty shootout win over your rivals is worth a few nail-biting moments along the way.
Kasper Schmeichel had his part to play by stopping Ridvan Yilmaz’s penalty before Daizen Maeda did the honours after Reo Hatate and Jack Butland converted.
While James Tavernier and Rangers live through another cup final defeat, Celtic are on cloud nine as they venture towards the challenge of facing Dundee United at Tannadice.
Before the trip to the City of Discovery comes into focus, John Hartson has highlighted who he thought stood head and shoulders above the rest for the Bhoys at Hampden.
John Hartson on ‘outstanding’ Celtic star that shone vs Rangers
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Hartson believes Maeda was the ‘best player’ on the pitch during Celtic’s cup final win over Rangers last weekend.
He explained: “I can’t argue with Maeda; he’s come up trumps in all the derby games. He never lets anybody down, I keep going on about his energy levels.
“I’m not going to say that this week. His talent as well, his goalscoring exploits, and the way he gets involved.
“His defending is outstanding, he gets right back, almost back in his own defensive third and I can’t argue, I thought he was the best player on the pitch.”
Daizen Maeda’s brilliant Celtic season continues
With his pivotal strike on Sunday, Maeda has moved up to 11 goals and four assists in 23 appearances for Celtic across all competitions.
Exceeding his contribution tally for the entirety of last season, the Japan international looks to have found another level for the Bhoys as they march on into the festive period with just one loss so far this campaign.
Hopefully, Maeda can continue his ruthless streak and rack up some healthy numbers across the second half of the season regardless if the club look to bring in competition in his position.
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