Pat Nevin absolutely nailed it when he described Daizen Maeda after Celtic’s latest win against Rangers. The Japanese forward will take the headlines for the goals, but the bigger story was everything else he brought to the match.
Maeda was outstanding as Celtic hammered Rangers in a crucial top of the table Glasgow Derby clash as the Japanese forward bagged two goals.
But it was during the match that Nevin couldn’t hold back his superlatives for Maeda and it proves just how important he is to this Celtic team right now.
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Speaking during BBC Sport’s live coverage, Nevin said: “Celtic had that 15-20 minute period and it was enough for them to take care of it. The guy who is going to get the headlines is Maeda.
“Sometimes a guy scores a great goal, or two goals, and you think, well, is he really the best player? Yes, in this case and not just for that.
“You always know he’ll run his socks off, but he gets into the right positions.
“He misses chances, but it has no effect on him. Fearless.
“Then he’s asked to do some donkey work in the final minutes and, yes, he’ll do that as well. Terrific attitude.”
Pat Nevin highlighted what makes Daizen Maeda different at Celtic
Nevin’s “fearless” description was probably the most important part of the entire assessment because it explains why Martin O’Neill trusts Maeda so much.
Some forwards disappear after missing chances. Maeda does the opposite. He keeps making the same runs, keeps pressing defenders and keeps forcing mistakes.
That mentality is a massive reason why he has still managed 13 goals and eight assists this season despite periods where his finishing has frustrated supporters.
The numbers matter, but his mentality matters more. Celtic supporters can forgive missed opportunities when the effort and aggression from Maeda never stops.
Daizen Maeda gives Celtic far more than goals
Nevin was also right to highlight the amount of work Maeda does away from the spotlight. Even late in matches, when most forwards are conserving energy, he is still chasing back and helping his Celtic teammates defensively.
That side of his game has become central to the way O’Neill wants Celtic to play. Maeda’s pressing sets the tone and his movement off the ball remains one of the most underrated parts of his game.
He has now made 50 appearances this season and that reliability is becoming just as valuable as his attacking output.
Nevin calling his attitude “terrific” felt completely accurate. Celtic have more technically gifted players, but very few are as dependable as Maeda when the game becomes difficult.
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