Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments following Celtic’s commanding 3-0 victory over Hearts provide some fascinating insights into where the team stands as they close in on another league title. With just three more wins needed to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership triumph, the Hoops appear to be in complete control. Rodgers’ discussion covered a number of key areas, from Daizen Maeda’s incredible goalscoring form to the evolving situation at left-back, the impact of Jeffrey Schlupp, and the rise of young goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo in Kasper Schmeichel’s absence.

Daizen Maeda: A Striker in the Making?

One of the biggest talking points was once again Maeda, who has now reached the remarkable milestone of 30 goals for the season. For a player who was initially seen as more of a winger or a high-energy presser rather than a natural finisher, this transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rodgers even joked about how people doubted Maeda’s goalscoring ability, yet here he is delivering one of the best scoring seasons of any Celtic player in recent memory.

Rodgers made an interesting observation about Maeda’s finishing, pointing out that he is now scoring in a variety of ways—left foot, right foot, headers, and one-on-ones. This suggests real development in his game. Previously, Maeda was known for his relentless work rate, pressing, and movement, but his finishing could be inconsistent. Now, he is becoming a complete forward, capable of finishing chances in different scenarios.

What’s particularly intriguing is Rodgers’ view on Maeda’s long-term role. The Celtic boss admitted that while he always knew Maeda had the potential to score goals, he didn’t necessarily predict he would hit 30 in a season. But now that he has, Rodgers faces an interesting dilemma. He stated that finding a top-class winger is often easier than finding a top-class striker, which hints that Celtic may be looking at Maeda as their first-choice No.9 moving forward. This could have major implications for Celtic’s summer transfer plans. If Maeda is now the primary striker, does that mean Celtic will focus on adding reinforcements out wide rather than signing a new centre-forward? And where does this leave Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah in the long term?

Rodgers’ reference to Maeda’s performances in pre-season, particularly his hat-trick in Yokohama, is another reminder that his ability to score goals was always there—it was just about unlocking it consistently. Now, with his finishing clearly improving, Maeda could be set for an even bigger role next season as the focal point of Celtic’s attack.

The Left-Back Situation: Taylor, Tierney, and Schlupp

Another major topic in Rodgers’ press conference was the situation at left-back, where Greg Taylor, Jeffrey Schlupp, and the incoming Kieran Tierney all factor into the equation. Schlupp has impressed since coming into the side, particularly in high-profile matches like the Champions League ties against Bayern Munich, but Rodgers was keen to point out that Greg Taylor has still been a strong performer and has years of experience playing the role in his system.

What’s most telling, however, is Rodgers’ comments on Taylor’s future. The Celtic boss essentially admitted that Taylor is more likely to leave than stay, despite his personal admiration for him as both a player and a person. He acknowledged that Taylor may want to be guaranteed a starting role every week, and with Tierney returning, that might not be the case at Celtic next season.

Rodgers’ remarks suggest that he would ideally like to keep Taylor, but he is already preparing for the possibility of him moving on. This could indicate that Taylor has already expressed a desire to explore other options. If that’s the case, Celtic will need to find a suitable backup or rotation option for Tierney, as Schlupp—while performing well—isn’t necessarily a long-term solution at left-back.

Another interesting aspect is Schlupp’s own future. The 32-year-old has stated that he would be open to staying at Celtic beyond this season, but Rodgers is taking a cautious approach. He jokingly warned against committing too early, suggesting that he wants to see more from Schlupp before making a decision. This could indicate that Celtic are still weighing up their options and may look elsewhere in the market for additional depth at left-back.

Viljami Sinisalo’s Big Opportunity

Rodgers also had plenty of praise for young goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, who stepped in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel and performed well against Hearts. The Celtic boss highlighted Sinisalo’s authority in goal, his ability to claim crosses, and his calmness in possession, all of which are crucial traits for a modern goalkeeper.

Rodgers mentioned that Sinisalo was always viewed as a development project when he arrived at Celtic, someone who could learn from an experienced goalkeeper like Schmeichel. However, injuries have now given him an unexpected opportunity to prove himself at the highest level. While Schmeichel’s injury isn’t believed to be serious, the exact timeline for his return is still uncertain. That means Sinisalo could get more chances to impress in the coming weeks.

For a young goalkeeper, every game at this level is a valuable learning experience, and if he continues to perform well, he could make a strong case for being Celtic’s long-term No.1 in the future. However, with Schmeichel still viewed as the first choice, it remains to be seen how much game time Sinisalo will get once the veteran Dane returns to full fitness.

Final Thoughts: A Team on the Verge of Glory

Celtic’s dominant performance against Hearts was another statement of intent as they move ever closer to securing the league title. With only three more wins needed, it now feels like a matter of when, not if, they will be crowned champions once again.

Rodgers’ comments give plenty of insight into the squad’s current state and what might lie ahead. Maeda’s transformation into a goal machine raises big questions about Celtic’s attacking setup moving forward, while the left-back situation is one to watch closely, with Taylor seemingly edging towards an exit and Tierney set to return. Schlupp has done well, but his long-term future remains uncertain, and Sinisalo now has a big chance to prove himself in goal while Schmeichel recovers.

The summer transfer window will be crucial in shaping the next phase of this Celtic team. If Maeda is truly seen as the main striker, will Celtic invest more in wingers? Will Greg Taylor’s departure be confirmed, and who will provide competition for Tierney? And what will happen with Sinisalo if he continues to impress?

For now, though, the focus remains on finishing the season strongly and securing the title as soon as possible. With form on their side and momentum building, Celtic look well on course to lift the Premiership trophy once again.

What are your thoughts on Rodgers’ comments? Should Maeda be the main striker next season, or should Celtic still bring in another forward? And do you think Taylor should stay, or is it the right time for him to move on?