Daizen Maeda’s Rise Under Brendan Rodgers: From Relentless Runner to Relentless Scorer
Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic was always going to bring scrutiny. After his successful first spell at Parkhead, where he secured back-to-back trebles and elevated the careers of several top players, the expectations were sky-high. Many wondered whether lightning could strike twice. But as the 2024/25 season nears its conclusion, one thing is abundantly clear: Rodgers has once again transformed Celtic into a winning machine—and, perhaps more impressively, he’s once again brought the best out of his players.
During his first tenure, Rodgers oversaw the emergence of Kieran Tierney, turning the academy graduate into one of the most sought-after young left-backs in Europe. He played a key role in developing Moussa Dembele into a clinical striker who later made a high-profile move to Lyon. These weren’t just success stories; they were case studies in Rodgers’ ability to spot potential and cultivate it.
In his second stint, Rodgers has inherited a squad largely built by Ange Postecoglou. And while some managers may struggle to work with players they didn’t sign, Rodgers has embraced the challenge. Players like Reo Hatate have reached new levels of influence, Alistair Johnston has matured into a rock-solid defensive presence, and even captain Callum McGregor has taken his already impressive leadership and composure up another notch. Yet, arguably the most striking transformation under Rodgers has been that of Daizen Maeda.
When Maeda arrived at Celtic in December 2021, he was part of the Japanese influx led by Postecoglou, alongside Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Yosuke Ideguchi. Known for his electric pace, tireless pressing, and selfless attitude, Maeda quickly became a favourite of Postecoglou’s high-intensity, attacking system. He would chase lost causes, close down defenders like a man possessed, and stretch the opposition with his wide runs. But while his work rate was never in doubt, questions often lingered about his consistency in front of goal and his decision-making in the final third.
Fast-forward to the present, and under Rodgers, Maeda has gone from being a valuable system player to an indispensable match-winner. As former Rangers midfielder and current BBC pundit Kevin Thomson pointed out on The Scottish Football Podcast, Maeda has developed into a “teammate’s dream”—a player who not only gives everything for the shirt but also now delivers in front of goal with remarkable consistency. “He looks as though he loves playing football, which is refreshing to see,” said Thomson. “He was good under Ange Postecoglou, but I feel as though Brendan has taken his game to the next level.”
And the numbers support that claim. In the current season, Maeda has already racked up 33 goals, scoring in every competition Celtic have entered: the league, both domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League. This marks a huge leap from his output under Postecoglou, where his primary contributions were often measured in sprints and pressing actions rather than goals and assists. Now, Maeda is not just working hard—he’s producing end product at a level few could have predicted.
What makes this leap so impressive is that Maeda hasn’t lost the qualities that made him effective under Postecoglou. He’s still one of the hardest-working players in Scottish football. His defensive contribution from the front line is unmatched. He presses relentlessly, tracks back, and puts in the dirty work most wingers avoid. But under Rodgers, he’s learned to channel his energy more efficiently. He’s smarter with his runs, more calculated with his movement, and more ruthless in front of goal.
There’s a tactical sharpness to his game now. Under Rodgers’ guidance, Maeda has improved his positioning in the box, refined his one-on-one finishing, and developed a better understanding of when to pass and when to shoot. He no longer looks like a raw, high-energy attacker. He looks like a complete forward.
More importantly, Maeda is producing in the big moments. He’s scoring in tough away matches, breaking deadlocks in cagey cup ties, and holding his nerve in Europe. That kind of consistency has made him one of the first names on Rodgers’ team sheet. It’s also elevated him to cult-hero status among the Celtic faithful, who appreciate not just his goals but the heart and soul he puts into every performance.
With six games left in the season and a potential treble in sight, Maeda has the opportunity to cement his place in Celtic history. Another few goals could make this one of the most prolific seasons ever for a wide player at the club. He’s already amassed more medals in his relatively short Celtic career than most professionals collect in a lifetime. But this season feels different—it feels like the year he truly arrived as a star.
Naturally, with such form, the question arises: will Maeda attract interest from Europe’s top leagues? A player with his speed, stamina, and now lethal edge in front of goal would undoubtedly appeal to clubs in England, Germany, and beyond. But there’s also a sense that Maeda could be one of those rare players who feels at home in Glasgow. Someone who thrives on the passion of the fans, the pressure of winning every week, and the special energy that comes with playing for Celtic.
If Brendan Rodgers stays and Celtic continue to compete on multiple fronts, there’s every chance Maeda becomes a long-term fixture at Parkhead—perhaps even a future captain in spirit, if not in armband. Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Daizen Maeda’s transformation under Rodgers has been one of the most exciting and inspiring stories of Celtic’s season. It’s a testament to a manager who knows how to polish diamonds and a player who never stops running—now not just into space, but into the history books.
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