Ange Postecoglou reveals what makes Celtic’s Daizen Maeda special

Daizen Maeda was Celtic’s big signing of the January transfer window. The Japanese star was coming off of an incredible season with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he had topped the J1 League scoring charts in the 2021 campaign. Combine that with the fact that he had already worked under the management of Ange Postecoglou during their time together in Japan and there were high expectations.

Maeda has had his early struggles at Celtic though and at the moment, does not look ready to lead the line for the Hoops.

He has scored a few goals but overall, just has not looked impressive and could struggle to get into the starting XI when both Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis are fit. One thing that nobody can question though is his desire and Maeda works his socks off every time he is on the pitch.

And while speaking with Open Goal, Postecoglou claimed that Maeda’s ability to repeat sprints and close down opponents is at an elite level. The manager did admit though that we were yet to see the best of him and he is still adjusting.

Maeda needs more time before we get to see the best of him in a Celtic jersey

Kyogo came into the Scottish league and took to it like a duck to water, making an impact from his very first start.

That is not natural though and it would be unfair to expect that from every player. Celtic fans have to give Maeda more time to adjust to a completely different style of football.

Even at Yokohama F. Marinos, he was not as great in his first season but ended up topping the J1 League scoring charts in the following campaign. There is a lot more to come from Maeda, we just need to show a bit more patience. It is a marathon and not a sprint, even though he might be great at that.