Daizen Maeda might not have been on the scoresheet for Celtic last night, but it didn’t stop Josip Juranovic giving the Japanese international’s celebration a try.
Maeda, after every goal, puts his fists up over his cheeks when he scores. It’s a tribute to Japanese cartoon character Anpanman, who has rosy red cheeks, is more popular than Hello Kitty, and is made of bread. Because, of course.
It was Maeda’s trademark in the J League, and it’s something he brought over here, to great delight. And, despite Giakoumakis being the one on the scoresheet twice last night, Juranovic couldn’t contain himself.
You can see it in the image above, on the right. It was also caught for posterity by Celtic’s ‘Unique Angle’, at 0.59 here [Celtic FC].
In another world, that picture is a renaissance painting. You’ve got Juranovic and Maeda being daft, Rogic and Giakoumakis deep in conversation, and Matt O’Riley thinking “This is great, but we need more intensity”. The Dundee United defender, out of focus, brings despair to the image.
It’s not even the first time we’ve seen this kind of thing. Earlier in the season, Albian Ajeti reenacted Jota’s celebration against Aberdeen, leaving David Turnbull bemused.
Excellent scenes from a vital Celtic win, with progression in the Scottish Cup to face Rangers at Hampden.
Endorsed by Pitbull, loved by Celtic fans: Juranovic is a one-man morale generator, and Maeda is latest beneficiary
Josip Juranovic: you have to love him.
A man who doesn’t struggle for confidence, there always seems to be a funny moment from the right-back in any given game. He also has the immense quality to back up his personable yet chaotic demeanour.
He, along with Maeda, was excellent last night. Not for one second did he look uncomfortable, beating players with ease, finding the right pass, and always controlling the ball with consummate professionalism. It was another fantastic showing, one that’ll go underrated.
Maeda, meanwhile, was similarly impactful. Siegrist may have bundled the ball to let Giakoumakis score his first, but the Japanese forward’s cross was dangerous and enterprising. That, and his first touch – also captured by the Celtic TV cameras – at the start of that move was utterly sublime [0.28, Celtic FC].
Patter is important. Especially visual gags and references, when you’ve got a squad full of different nationalities, ages and experiences. In terms of what he’s brought to the pitch and off it, Juranovic has fit in seamlessly with a culture that’s hard-working, but also gallus and fun.
Is this a season-defining moment? Absolutely not. Did it have any material impact on the game, or anything like it? Also no.
Still, it’s fun, and it’s another sign that this Celtic squad is getting along brand new.
Read more: Ange Postecoglou hails “outstanding” Celtic away form after yet another road win
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