Celtic F.C. 26-year-old player Daizen Maeda reveals how his performance is in Japan and delivers his own verdict ahead of his next match against Syria

Since he joined Celtic in December 2021, Daizen Maeda has shown that he is a good player.

The next January, Maeda was one of three new players from Japan. He made an immediate effect by scoring in the first four minutes of his debut against Hibs in a 2-0 win at Celtic Park.

After 107 games, 27 goals, and 16 assists, Meada is important to the team not only for what he does offensively but also for what he does defensively. (Transfer Market)

And Maeda’s last game for Japan and his next game against Syria both look like they will be very different from the last one.

Maeda is “looking forward” to Japan’s new role.

It’s likely that the Celtic winger is better known for his defense work than for his ability to score goals.

He works very quickly when he’s closing down and tracking back. And it looks like Hajime Moriyasu, the manager of Japan, will use that to his advantage in their upcoming game against Syria on Tuesday by putting him on the left side.

“Of course, I don’t know who will be in the match, but when I play, I have to show something different,” Maeda told Soccer Digest Web.

“The other team will be in a tough spot and need to win, so I think it will be a tough game.” I need to get fired up.

The wing-backs have to run farther, and I think my speed and running skills help me more than other players. But it gets hard if I have to do that for 90 minutes straight.

“Think about when to come up and use your head.” In a way, I haven’t played that position before, so it will be new and fun for me. I want to do everything I can to beat strong opponents.

“From Ange Postecoglou to Brendan Rodgers, the coach and the style of football changed this season. It was hard at first, but my role didn’t change much, and I was able to play well.”

“I want that to pay off in the last game of the season (against Syria) so we can end on a high note.”

Could Brendan Rodgers use Maeda in this role? I have to say it’s not likely. The Celtic manager loves the 4-3-3 formation and is not likely to change it any time soon.

It’s good to hear that Maeda is willing to change and flexible enough to know what he needs to do to move forward with both Japan and Celtic.

Fans of the Hoops will be hoping that Maeda comes back from his international duty without getting hurt so that he can rest up for the new season.