THE Celtic attack looks as sharp as a sausage while Daizen Maeda continues his mystifying barren run.
The team’s plight is not aided by the fact Adam Idah is searching – so far in vain – for that much-needed commodity; confidence.
It’s well nigh impossible to believe the Republic of Ireland international powerhouse is the last striker to score a goal for the champions. That strike came in stoppage-time of the Hoops’ 5-1 landslide triumph over Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday May 14.
Everyone associated with Celtic hoped it was the perfect dress rehearsal for the Scottish Cup Final against the same opponents 10 days later. Alas, it was not to be and the opportunity of a phenomenal sixth treble in nine years was buried in the rubble of mediocrity at Hampden.
MISS…Daizen Maeda sees his shot saved by Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov in the closing minutes of the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on May 24.
Brendan Rodgers’ side had a colossal 82 per cent of possession, but, puzzlingly, registered a mere three attempts on target in two hours of football, including the own goal from Alfie Dorrington.
Idah plodded along until the 66th minute before being hooked to make way for Yang Hyun-jun. Maeda played the entire game and the Japanese speedster blew the chance of the winner in the third minute of added-on time when he was left one-on-one with the keeper. The expectant Celtic fans thought they were about to enjoy late celebrations.
However, the forward, with 33 goals to his name during a prolific campaign, snatched at the opportunity and his attempt lacked precision. A grateful Dimitar Mitov thrust out a left foot and deflected the ball to safety.
Such is the life of a footballer. Applauded and lauded one minute; pilloried and panned the next.
The drop-off from Maeda must be of great concern for Rodgers and everyone at the club.
As the manager prepared for the rigours and challenges of another crusade at home and in Europe, I reckoned the astute Irishman had the luxury of seven automatic first-team choices – Kasper Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston, Kieran Tierney, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Maeda.
Now I am not so sure about the last name on that list.
MISS…Daizen Maeda gets in a fankle to blow the chance of a stoppage-time winner at Ibrox on May 4 with keeper Liam Kelly and James Tavernier the relieved opponents.
Maeda has put in his usual full shift, but has lacked spark and invention in the two games so far. Celtic have relied on goals from midfielders Luke McCowan, Benjamin Nygren and Hatate for back-to-back successes against St Mirren and the Dons.
The last time Maeda sampled the exhilaration of bulging the rigging behind a netminder was on April 20 in the side’s 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final romp against doomed St Johnstone.
The 27-year-old international forward claimed a double that afternoon at the national stadium and has fired blanks ever since.
As last season ticked down, Maeda was allowed time off from the runaway win at Pittodrie for family reasons with his wife due to give birth. However, he played every minute of the games against Dundee United (5-0), Rangers (1-1) and Hibs (3-1) and 72 minutes of the 1-1 Trophy Day stalemate against St Mirren with James Forrest on target.
Please remember, dear reader, we are discussing a player who thundered in nine strikes in four successive games against Motherwell, Dundee, Raith Rovers and Bayern Munich in February.
The nosedive in form is simply incomprehensible. What has brought on the startling transformation?
KNEESY DOES IT…Daizen Maeda celebrates one of his 33 goals for Celtic last season.
Okay, we accept there were family pressures with Maeda clocking up the air miles as he flew from Scotland to Japan while his wife was about to make him a father for the third time.
But that was then and this is now.
There may also be a settling-in period as he gets used to Tierney’s style of play which in no way is similar to that of Greg Taylor.
After multiple Player of the Year awards, it was inevitable transfer speculation would kick in. First up were Fenerbahce with tales of the Turkish club, with the inimitable Jose Mourinho in charge, poised to persuade Celtic to sell and then send the winger’s salary sky high.
I am not suggesting for a moment that Maeda’s head has been turned with the rumour factory in full flow.
What is certain, though, is the fact he has refused to sign an extension on his contract that runs until June 2027.
His compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi had a similar period in his terms, but, after reports of his unhappiness at the club, his wish of a move was granted at the turn of the year and the man who scored 85 goals in three and a half years at Parkhead was spirited off to France in exchange for £10million.
Brendan Rodgers informs us there have been no bids for his first-team players – citing specifically Hatate – and we have no reason to question the manager.
The transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday September 1. Maybe some questions will be answered by then.
ALEX GORDON
