Michael Stewart’s recent remarks about Daizen Maeda’s exceptional form this season provide a clear reflection of the remarkable transformation that the Japanese forward has undergone since joining Celtic. From a player who initially struggled with composure in front of goal to becoming one of the most consistent and prolific goal-scorers in Scottish football, Maeda’s progress has been a testament to his development as a footballer. His remarkable milestone of 30 goals this season, recently achieved in Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Hearts, is a clear indication of the new heights he has reached in terms of both his performance and end product.
When Maeda first arrived at Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos, he quickly gained attention for his immense work rate, blistering pace, and intelligent movement. These attributes allowed him to regularly get into dangerous positions and make a significant impact on the pitch. However, despite his undeniable talent and tireless effort, Maeda often faced criticism for his inability to convert chances, especially those that seemed like they would be straightforward for a striker. His inability to finish off many of the opportunities that his pace and movement afforded him led to a perception that he lacked the clinical edge needed to excel at the highest levels. For a player who had shown so much promise, it was a frustrating reality that often led to questions about whether he would ever be able to make the leap from potential to consistent performer.
But this season, everything has changed. As Stewart pointed out, Maeda’s end product has been elevated to a whole new level. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, Maeda has been deployed in a more central role, primarily as a striker, and the impact of this tactical shift has been profound. No longer confined to the wide areas of the pitch, Maeda has thrived in his preferred position, and the results have been evident in his goal tally. Gone are the days when Maeda would find himself in prime goal-scoring positions only to blaze shots wide or hit the target poorly. This season, he has shown remarkable composure in front of goal, often finishing with the calm and precision of a seasoned striker.
Stewart’s admiration for Maeda is evident, as he praises the forward’s evolution into a “top, top-class player.” While Maeda’s pace and work ethic have always been his strengths, it is his improved composure and technical ability that have now made him one of Celtic’s most dangerous attacking threats. As Stewart noted, his first goal in the recent match against Hearts was a perfect example of the forward’s newfound confidence and maturity in front of goal. In the past, Maeda may have rushed his effort or struggled to control the ball, but against Hearts, he showed impeccable composure, opening his body and calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper with a finish that would make any striker proud. The goal was a clear reflection of how far Maeda has come in terms of both his finishing and his overall footballing maturity.
The transformation in Maeda’s play is not just about his clinical finishing. It is also about his all-around contributions to Celtic’s attacking play. With his ability to hold the ball up, link up with teammates, and continue to make those dangerous runs into the box, Maeda has become a focal point for Celtic’s attack. His intelligent positioning and movement allow him to constantly be in the right place at the right time, and his increased confidence in front of goal has made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. While his finishing has improved, his overall understanding of the game and ability to contribute to the team’s offensive play has reached new levels, and this has been key to his growth as a player.
Stewart’s praise for Maeda is backed up by the impressive numbers that the striker has put up this season. With 30 goals to his name, Maeda has firmly established himself as one of the top goal-scorers in Scottish football, and there is a real possibility that he could push for 40 goals by the end of the season if he maintains his current form. This would be a remarkable achievement for any player, and especially for someone who once struggled to find the back of the net with any regularity. To have gone from a player with question marks over his finishing ability to a forward on the verge of a 40-goal season is an incredible testament to Maeda’s dedication, hard work, and ability to adapt to the demands of Scottish football.
As Stewart suggests, it’s no surprise that Celtic is now looking to secure Maeda’s long-term future at the club. With two years still left on his current contract, there is every reason for the club to tie him down to a new deal, particularly given the significant impact he has had on the team this season. Maeda has become an indispensable player for Celtic, and his goal-scoring prowess is now a crucial part of the team’s success both domestically and in European competition. The fact that Celtic is reportedly considering an extension to his contract is a clear recognition of how integral he has become to the club’s ambitions.
The most exciting aspect of Maeda’s development is that he is still a relatively young player, and he appears to be improving with every game. If he continues to refine his finishing, and if he remains as committed and focused as he has been this season, there is no reason why he cannot continue to perform at this high level for years to come. His work ethic and determination have always been his strongest attributes, and now that he has added composure and clinical finishing to his repertoire, he has the potential to become one of Celtic’s greatest-ever strikers.
In conclusion, Daizen Maeda’s transformation into a top-tier goal-scorer for Celtic is one of the standout stories of the season. From a player who faced criticism for his finishing to one of the most consistent and lethal strikers in Scottish football, Maeda’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Michael Stewart’s praise of Maeda’s progress is well-deserved, and his comments highlight just how far the player has come in such a short space of time. With 30 goals already to his name and the possibility of reaching 40 by the end of the season, Maeda is now firmly established as one of Celtic’s most important players, and the club will be eager to secure his long-term future as they continue to challenge for domestic and European success. If Maeda can maintain this form, he will undoubtedly become a key figure in Celtic’s future, and his rise is a perfect example of how hard work, self-belief, and tactical adjustments can lead to remarkable improvement in football.