Exclusive by Kevin Kennedy

Japanese football expert, Dan Orlowitz, former Senior Sports Correspondent at the Japan Times, gave an in-depth look into the rise and form of Celtic starlet Daizen Maeda.

The Japanese front man, who has been in fine form this season, has set Scottish football alight as he thrives in his new role, leading the line of the Hoops, scoring 28 goals this season in all competitions. This has made it his most successful season for Celtic since his arrival in January 2022.

Brendan Rodgers was initially thought to have a bit of a selection headache in the number 9 role, after the departure of much-loved striker, Kyogo Furuhashi, and the underwhelming performances of Adam Idah. However, Daizen has relished the opportunity in front of goal.

Dan said: “I think when a player like Kyogo leaves, it falls upon his former teammates to step up, and it’s clear Daizen has relished the opportunity. Sometimes, all you need is that extra kick.”

With Daizen being Celtic’s top goalscorer this season, surely this would mean he is the first name on a teamsheet when it comes to the national team of Japan. But Dan explains how his form hasn’t translated when it comes to playing on home soil: “…He’s served as more of a super-sub than as the starter that he’s regularly been at Celtic.”

The Japanese attacker has become adored by the Celtic faithful for his high energy and relentless style of play within Rodgers’ system. This appears to be a role in which is being used for his country. Dan said: “Daizen is the fresh pair of legs that Hajime Moriyasu sends in around the hour mark when he needs someone who can press, harass the defence, create some threats on the attack and help close out the game, and in the role, he’s been perfect.

…Moriyasu told local media over the weekend that he may use Maeda as the lone top in Japan’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, so we could very well see what he looks like in that role from the opening whistle. Not that I think his presence is the difference between good and bad result vs Bahrain.”

It’s been reported that Maeda has suffered an injury while on international duty with the team. He is currently working on his own individual training plan and is due to be assessed ahead of their upcoming games.

The 27 year old is quickly becoming one of Celtic’s most crucial players over recent years and is turning out to be someone who the Celtic fans can rely on to turn up in the big occasions.

However, former Japan Times football writer, Dan has seen his rise to the top coming a number of years now: “Back when Daizen joined Celtic, I suggested he had the best chance among the club’s Japanese players of becoming an cult hero and I feel like he’s proven me right.”

If Daizen can maintain such a high level of performance in goals, it won’t be long until Celtic receive big offers from teams abroad or even down south. “It’s a little hard to imagine him playing elsewhere after the impact he’s made at the club, but he’s earned a shot at a challenge in a more competitive setting.”

Dan also explained how Daizen could be the missing part of a Premier League puzzle: “Not sure where he’d end up, but there’s a certain EPL club run by one of Daizen’s former managers that could potentially use his help”.