Everyone at Celtic already knows what Daizen Maeda brings. Pace, pressure, and relentless movement have never been in question. Junior Adamu’s message after the St Mirren win did not reveal anything new, but Falkirk showed just how accurate it really was.
Adamu called Maeda “The Flash” in response to his performance in Celtic’s Hampden win. The label pointed to speed, but more importantly, how often he applies it across a full match.
Celtic’s win over Falkirk showed exactly what Adamu was pointing to, something Maeda has not produced often enough this season.
Was that Daizen Maeda’s best performance of the season?
Celtic’s big performance against Falkirk backs Adamu’s Maeda claim
Maeda delivered a standout performance that aligned directly with Adamu’s description. He was also the clear winner in the Man of the Match vote after driving Celtic’s attacking play.
This was not about one sprint or one moment. It came through Maeda’s constant runs in behind and repeated press that created two goals from nothing for Celtic and broke up a number of Falkirk attacks.
That is where the “Flash” label actually holds up. It is not just speed, it is the volume of runs that turn that pace into consistent attacking threat.
Celtic’s reliance on Maeda no longer open to question
Martin O’Neill praised Maeda’s pressing and energy after the match. That influence is central to how Celtic sustain pressure and control territory.
Without that level of movement, Celtic’s attacking rhythm drops, as does the defensive pressure. Maeda’s role keeps the game pushed forward and forces opponents into mistakes.
The Falkirk performance showed that clearly across the full match. His involvement was constant, not occasional.
There was never anything new in what Adamu said. Falkirk simply showed how accurate it was when applied over ninety minutes.
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