Celtic teammate makes big Daizen Maeda admission

Daizen Maeda has divided opinion since arriving at Celtic in the January transfer window. Many believe that he is not good enough to be the main striker and will struggle to get into the starting XI once both Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis are available. On the other hand, there are many who believe that the Japanese star needs more time to settle into his new surroundings and adjust to his new teammates.

Maeda has scored a few goals for Celtic already. But overall, his performances have left a lot to be desired.

At this point of time, he just does not look like someone who can lead the line for the Hoops. But there are a lot of other things that he brings to the table.

There is no question about his commitment to the team and Maeda works his socks off every time he is on the pitch. And it looks like his Celtic teammates appreciate it and rightfully so. As reported by The Herald (via 67 Hail Hail), Greg Taylor said about the Japanese star:

"“I think Daizen [Maeda] has done really well for us.“A lot of his work goes unnoticed. The way he presses and creates chances out of nothing is a midfielder and defender’s dream.“He works so hard for the team. Believe me, he’s very appreciated. All of us in the building are all grateful to have him.“Daizen has already played a full season and his work rate is unbelievable. All of the lads work their socks off to be fair but Daizen is just a cut above the rest. It’s second to none.”"

Taylor makes Maeda admission amid difficult start at Celtic

One has to admit that Kyogo set the bar incredibly high and most players would struggle to hit the ground running in a completely different continent, like he did. Thus, it would be unfair to compare everyone to the former Vissel Kobe man.

Maeda himself is no stranger to finding the back of the net. In fact, he topped the J1 League scoring charts in the 2021 season with Yokohama F. Marinos, before arriving at Celtic.

Interestingly, he did not have a brilliant first season there either before coming into his own in the second campaign and becoming one of the best players in the entire league. Thus, it might be important to give Maeda time, before coming to any conclusions about how good he is or can be, for Celtic.