Brendan Rodgers declares Celtic player best in world football

It has been a few days since Celtic's 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava. That game still remains a topic of discussion though, as it is not often that Scottish teams win that convincingly at the Champions League level. Of course, some Ibrox fans have raised questions about the strengthen of the opposition team.

This seems to be a good time to point out that Slovan Bratislava did brilliantly to make it through the qualifying phase of the Champions League to make it to the main competition. On the other hand, the Rangers could not manage to do it.

One of the players on the scoresheet for Celtic on the night was Daizen Maeda. The Japanese player had missed a few good chances early on in the game but when Reo Hatate showed brilliant feet to send him through on goal, he made no mistake and put the Hoops 4-1 up.

Maeda has been a key player for Celtic since Ange Postecoglou's time as manager of the club. There were some fears that he could lose his place in the team when Brendan Rodgers was appointed as the Japanese forward is not the most technically gifted footballer. But the Northern Irishman clearly recognises his qualities as well.

Brendan Rodgers declares Celtic player best in world football

Rodgers knows that his forward players also deserve credit for the concession of only two goals in seven matches so far this season. As reported by BBC, the Celtic manager said:

"I've seen reports in terms of the team doing very well, keeping clean sheets and the goalkeeper and the back four.

"It starts at the front. And I would doubt there's anyone better in world football than Daizen Maeda in that context."

Of course, Maeda's pressing is one of his biggest strengths. The Japanese forward gives it his all throughout the game. Without him, Celtic do look like a much less energetic team.

It is time to turn the focus away from midweek's result. Celtic will take on Falkirk next, in the next round of the Scottish League Cup.