There are a number of Celtic players who are performing at a high level this season. You do not need to look far beyond the results as proof. The Hoops have enjoyed their best Champions League campaign in over a decade and almost got the better of Bayern Munich, losing narrowly on aggregate and earning a draw at the Allianz Arena. Domestically, another treble could be on the cards for Brendan Rodgers' side.
One player who has been instrumental in all of this is Daizen Maeda. The Japanese forward has taken his game up a few levels this season.
In the past, Maeda had never looked the most technical player and did not appear to have a great eye for goal either. Nobody can argue with his numbers this season though.
Maeda has scored 26 goals and provided 9 assists this season. For the majority of the campaign, he has played as a winger. There is not much more you can ask from him, to be very honest.
Celtic player tipped for Parkhead exit by Liverpool hero
Harry Kewell, who was a coach at Celtic not too long ago, has tipped Maeda for an exit in the future. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he told the Sunday Mail [print edition, page 60]:
"I’m surprised someone hasn’t already come in for Daizen, that’s the truth.
“The way football is played today, especially with the high press and high energy fans and managers want, he’s the perfect candidate.
“So there’s no limit for Daizen, in terms of the level he can get to. Unfortunately for Celtic, if he keeps scoring they’ll find it difficult to hold on to him.
“Because there will be other clubs in for him. And that’s a great thing because it shows what an amazing job Celtic have done with a fantastic player."
It would come as no surprise if interest in Maeda's signature is starting to grow. He is performing at a world-class level this season and has proven himself at the Champions League level against teams like Bayern Munich. On top of everything else, he can play both as a winger and a centre-forward.
One could argue that he is Celtic's best player right now. It is certainly between Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn, with the German winger being linked with teams like Newcastle United, Eintracht Frankfurt, Everton and several others.