Maeda, we have not seen the best of him yet

365

To our eternal confusion, when Daizen Maeda got to the World Cup in November, he was used as a striker, a role he only fulfilled at Celtic when there was literally no one else available for the task.  It was not madness on the part of manager Hajime Moriyasu, who left the brilliant Kyogo back in Glasgow.

Daizen is not as accomplished a striker as Kyogo, but Japan were in Qatar to play a different way than Celtic, they were prepared to concede possession for long spells, so needed someone who could press defenders at an elite level.  There is none better for that role than Daizen.

At 25, I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet.  The vast majority of games he plays for Celtic provide little scope for his natural game, as active space is so contained in Celtic’s attacking third.  It is perhaps only against Newco, who vainly try to go toe-to-toe with the champions, where he can really turn it on.

His goal at Ibrox in January, when he spooked Tavernier is a perfect example, as was his Scottish Cup semi-final move, when he won a ball he was third closest to, before whipping in an inch-perfect cross for Jota to nod home.

“Another four years” is perhaps a bit misleading.  Sure, he’s contracted for that long, but I expect bids for him in 2024 or 2025.  His physicality, speed and perpetual motion is made for the dozen-or-so teams that regularly counter-attack in the EPL.

You can imagine the goings-on at Celtic this week.  “We’ve all this money, do we need to tell the stock market?”  It reminded me of an old Dave Allen joke:

A man sits in a confessional and says, “Father, I’m having an affair with a gorgeous young thing that lives down my street.”
Priest, “That’s not how a good Catholic should live.”
Man, “Oh, I’m not a Catholic.”
Priest, “Well, why are you telling me?”
Man, “I’m telling everybody!”

Football is a hard enough business, if you have a good story to tell, tell it.

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365 Comments

  1. AuroraBorealis79 on

    !!BADA BING!! on 8TH JULY 2023 2:51 PM

     

    BBC presenter suspended……

     

     

    Was he caught telling the truth? What disgusting behaviour…

  2. Anyone got an update on how CCV is doing at all.

     

    All I wish for now is for Rio to sign new contract

     

     

     

    KINGLuBO

  3. Paul The Spark.

     

    Wise words previously re GG. ✅️

     

     

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

     

    Mod

     

    If you can, could you fire of an email to GG enquiring how he is?

     

    Thanks in advance.

     

    Hopefully he will be on soon

     

    HH

  4. Why the panic with Hatate.He has 3 years left on his contract.He is ours unless he wants away.Extending his contract wont change that.Calm down.No one has seen Odin perform yet.Or Tilio,who my Oz mate is raving about.More coming in.

  5. Bada Bing,

     

     

    ” A blogger naming Vine,

     

    Is all mine all mine,

     

    A blogger naming Vine,is all mine.

  6. Thank You Everyone for the best wishes for my Dad. Thanks.

     

     

    He husnae had food for 10 days now so it won’t be long.

     

     

    I cannae sing but I sing the Jimmy Jimmy Johnstone song as he wiz Dads favourite player when I’m there.

     

     

    This isnae the Jinky song my Dad would serenade :D my Mum with but its still Quality.

     

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UJH-Od3A0w

     

     

    I hope to hear good news about ‘GG. You can overcome this Brother in Celtic.

  7. Watch the boy Arnau Tenas’ last 2 games in under 21 finals, whoever picks him up an a free is doing very well. Apparently played for barca b. He is comfortable on the ball, good shoot stopper and good reflexes. Celtic should be all over that if there is any chance at all.

     

     

    HH

  8. Mod

     

    Thanks 👏👍

     

    Old pillar of results readback,and sanity,think orig from g…gairs out in deepest Lanarkshire,now this side of U.S may be wrong,

     

    HH

     

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

     

    Petec

     

    Thank you for your dad’s update,as Lefti says keep up with yourchat.You will never walk alone,

     

     

    HH

  9. Mod

     

     

    Should read GG was ol pillar of results way back iirc…

     

     

    Missed the main man doh!

     

     

    HH

  10. AN TEARMANN on 8TH JULY 2023 10:00 PM

     

     

    True, for which im sure we are thankfull, but its starting to drag. Easpecially if you have no interest in cricket or tennis.

  11. I love us not being involved in shoitey qualifiers

     

     

    AEK Athens & Co have wasted many a holiday for me

     

     

    Gutted about our former manager leaving for pastures (fortunes) new

     

     

    Gutted about Jota leaving for pastures (fortunes) new

     

     

    Delighted with Brendan …

     

     

    Petec & GG … both of you take care fellow Celts 🍀

  12. PETEC, You are one of the true heroes on here and your relationship with your Da just re-enforces that. You are some ghuy. The very best wishes to you and your Father.

  13. WeefratheTim on

    Peter

     

     

    I hope it all works out my friend. I have prayed for your dad since I read it on ere. Keep the love going and I will keep the prayers going. Please look after yourself and hold your dads hand. HH my friend.

  14. We all might disagree about so many things Celtic and a lot of other things too.

     

     

    We are, as Celtic Supporters, are Truly Blessed.

     

     

    HH to Everyone on this site and other Celtic sites.

     

     

    Amazing people.

     

     

    I think we might lose the League this Season but Win a Euro trophy.

     

     

    I think I know Greenpinata will be OK wae that. Me tae.

  15. I Hope we keep Cameron.

     

     

    I Love midfielders.

     

     

    Who is incoming?

     

     

    I ain’t seen a harder working team- than Anges Celtic. – you huv a job on yer hand Brendan.

  16. COVID UPDATE 10:20pm EST

     

    Like any game it’s been been a bit of ebb and flow. Some gains some losses.

     

    Lung function is still steady and NOT deteriorating like aninjured CCV holding steady against the best they can hit throw at him.

     

    Breathing saturation has improved and they’re considering stepping down oxygen levels.

     

    Strength is increasing a little and and able to sit up and pee with some assistance. (No mean feat)

     

    Sleeping a lot which they say is good. Waking up with no pain.

     

    Some panic defensive incidents which saw short interventions like Neily Mochan rushing on with his sponge and bucket.

     

    High steroids are raising blood sugar and needing insulin doses to combat.

     

    So initial gains holding.Some concerns overcome so far. Cause for some some confidence.

     

    Good bless and thanks to everyone.

  17. ‘GG on 9th July 2023 4:39 am

     

     

    For petes sake you just Look efter yer self.

     

     

    I’m very lucky as I huv a ST, many dinnae.

     

     

    You are the maist Selfless consistently on this cracking site.

     

     

    It is Brilliant knowing ye are still Dani Bher.

     

     

    Dads passing, Thankfully, isnae gonnae be sudden,it is gonnae hurt, Every Castleview staff huv said his patter is well funny.

     

     

    And its a Season Ticket not a hot hatch.o_0

     

     

    If I had a fast car I’d be 2012 – deid.

  18. Petec & GG,

     

     

    Best wishes and thoughts are with you both. Keep it lit guys.

     

     

    Yes, I would love a European trophy. Any European trophy would do me. ( Look how West Ham, 15th richest team on the planet celebrated their win in the Euro Conference league cup )

     

     

    However I’m ” greedy”. I also want the league but given a choice, yes a European journey never to be forgotten would be my choice.

     

     

    HH

  19. GG

     

     

    Thanks for your updates.rest plenty.we are still with you friend.

     

     

    PeteC keep it lit

     

     

    HH

  20. ‘GG

     

     

    Sounds positive!

     

     

    Hope that is you on the mend now!

     

     

    Wee prayer said for a full and speedy recovery.

     

     

    HH