Daizen Maeda is undoubtedly the fastest player in Scotland as the Celtic winger continues to terrorise defences in the Scottish Premiership. But how many times has the Japanese star been thwarted by offside since his arrival at Paradise in 2021?
Too many to count for the Celtic support. But it seems all that could be about to change for Maeda after Arsene Wenger’s proposal to change the offside rule was approved for trial by IFAB this week.
This will be a gamechanger for the Celtic winger and should see Maeda score more goals as we detail just how the new offside changes will make a huge difference to the Hoops star.
What can Celtic do to help Daizen Maeda get back to his best?
IFAB offside ‘daylight rule’ trial explained and how it can benefit Celtic
Currently, Celtic players can be caught offside if a single toe or shoulder is ahead of the defender or the last opposition player at the back.
Under Wenger’s rule, an attacker is ONSIDE as long as any part of their body that can score a goal is level with the defender.
To be offside, there must be a visible gap, or clear daylight, between the attacker and the defender for any goal or attack to be ruled as illegal.
The trial begins in the Canadian Premier League in April, and because the SFA is a member of IFAB, they will have instant access to the data. If it’s deemed a success, Celtic fans could see a global rollout as early as the 2027/28 season.
Why Daizen Maeda will love Arsene Wenger’s new rule and how it may not benefit Celtic
Maeda’s explosive pace at Celtic has caused nightmares for the Hoops’ opposition domestically and on the continent against some of the top teams in Europe.
This new proposed rule change will be music to his ears as Maeda will have a huge advantage over defenders as the Celtic star can gain a head start on his opposite numbers.
However, if this new rule is approved, Celtic fans may not see the benefit as it looks like Maeda could leave the Hoops this summer.
But if he decides to stay, Maeda will run riot in Scotland and Europe for Celtic if the trial becomes law.
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