Celtic ended their ten-day spell in Portugal with a very good win over Sporting CP.
The Portuguese champions were humbled by the Hoops as goals from Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan ensured Celtic left the Algarve with a confidence boosting win against Rui Borges’ side.
Celtic exposed Sporting’s formation and looked dangerous in attack and solid in defence with Daizen Maeda and James Forrest causing problems on the flanks.
Maeda put in his usual lung-bursting shift for Celtic but what the Japanese winger did after Brendan Rodgers subbed him off will leave fans amazed.
Super-fit Daizen Maeda will leave Celtic fans in awe with off-field antics
Maeda’s fitness levels are something Celtic supporters have not seen at the club in decades, if at all.
The amount of energy the Hoops winger has is quite incredible. And after running his heart out last night, what Maeda did in the technical area will astound Celtic fans.
Not one to sit and rest, Maeda continued to build on his fitness even after putting in a very good shift in Celtic’s win over Sporting CP.
What a man.
What Daizen Maeda has previously said about his Celtic future
Maeda still has two years left to run on his current Celtic deal and after his Player of the Year performances last season, fans will be desperate for him to extend his stay.
In a trip back to Japan this summer, Maeda opened up on his Celtic future and appeared to be solely focused on getting ready for the new season ahead.
Maeda said, “I was able to train in a great environment with a good team (Mito HollyHock) who are currently at the top of the league (J2 League).
“I don’t know what the new season will bring for me, but first, I want to get in shape at their training camp. I felt ok, but I think I still have a long way to go.
“It was an enjoyable session. Mito are a great team and there is a good atmosphere in the camp. I really hope they win promotion.”
Let’s hope talks have begun on offering Maeda improved terms because to replace the speedy winger will be nigh on impossible for Celtic.
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