If not on the wing, where does Maeda find space?

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Brendan Rodgers post-match press conference in Yokohama was interesting on two fronts.  Almost a year after sustaining a shoulder injury, the manager revealed Kyogo did not start the game as the same issue left him short of the fitness levels even his team-mates were at.  If the medics have not resolved the issue by now, it is likely Kyogo will have a persistent weakness in the joint.

A more positive note was struck when discussing Daizen Maeda, Rogers said, “I thought Daizen was outstanding. I like him more through the middle. I think he does a good job on the side, but there is a reason he plays for Japan through the middle.”

This could be taken for a platitude to a player who scored a hat-trick, but Brendan added detail, “I like players at the top end who can really press the game and Daizen can definitely do that.

“It’s just about adding to players’ development. Daizen is still a young player who can improve. Of course, his strength is running in behind, but sometimes there won’t always be that space. So, can we develop his game and get him into areas he can work the defenders?”

That last point is critical.  In 90% of Celtic’s domestic games there is no space for Daizen to exploit, at first pass, his greatest asset is unsuited to our game.  “Can we develop his game and get him into areas he can work the defenders?”

I have no idea what that will look like.  The best example of Daizen at Celtic was at Ibrox in January, when he ran through the opposition defence to open the scoring, but that game was ultimately rescued by the innate ability of Kyogo to find space inside the box.  When fit, Kyogo will remain out top striker this season.

It has been four years since Brendan watched a bank of five defenders on the edge of their box with another four a few yards in front, so close, they could almost hold hands, his memory of what’s in store may be more generous to our standard opponents than they deserve.  Working them is entirely desirable, I just don’t see where Daizen will do this, if not on the wing.

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  1. FANADPATRIOT on 22ND JULY 2023 10:19 AM

     

    Young Celtic supporter talking at the golf ,we are everywhere HH

     

    ==============

     

    Both kids, with English accents, had Celtic gear on. Dad was Scottish.

  2. Tobago Street on

    Maeda having a good game and really enjoying himself today. Looks very happy out there!

     

     

    T

  3. bournesouprecipe on

    HT 0-0

     

     

    Better work out so far should be 1-1 two onside goals ruled out.

     

     

    Second half changes coming up, James Forrest outstanding

  4. Devent 45, some nice one touch play.Looks like inverted full backs consigned to the Age era. Quality of opposition not great,i dont think we will see any of the back 4 (and possibly goalie) as starters when the real stuff gets serious.

     

     

    Hattae on different level to anyone else on the park

  5. Firstly after I wrote that despicable comment about Stives,I knew it was a horrible statement to make,So to my fellow Celtic supporter,I wholeheartedly apologize to you,I can assure you it won’t happen again,like a lot of supporters I only make an opinion that’s all .

  6. ERATIC on 22ND JULY 2023 8:31 AM

     

    Suck to death listening about “The Lioness’s!, it’s like the men’s England team multiplied by 3

     

     

    Just can’t get women’s football, don’t mind if the Celtic women are playing the Huns , might watch a bit,but it’s a no from me……..

     

     

    Even worse than woman’s football is woman’s commentating, I know it’s maybe not the right thing to say but……quite happy for them to commentate on ladies game , but if it’s an important game in men’s football it just makes me cringe.

     

     

    If god forbid a woman was commentating on a Celtic game it would sound off for me I’m afraid.

     

     

    There I said it !

     

     

    Hope my misses doesn’t read this 😱😂

     

    ————-

     

    That’s a shocking post in this day and age tbh.

     

    Especially on a Celtic site, where we apparently value equality.

     

     

    What would the Celtic women’s team and staff think if that post and viewpoint or, as you mention, your wife?

     

     

    If you replaced women with Jews, Muslims, black people, Irish etc it would be seen as a disgraceful post.

     

     

    Equality is equality is equality!

     

     

    Can’t believe Philbhoy actually praised it either. Tut tut!

  7. I’m all for women playing football, it is a great game. End of !

     

    Problem now is how much hype there is around it, some suggesting the Ladies should be paid the same as the men, what utter rubbish. Once they can play the game to the high standard of men, then maybe, time to shut them up and get them back in their box.

     

    It really is the English media clatter about it which hacks me off

     

     

    Don’t get me started on the cricket

     

     

    KINGLuBO

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