The roar of the Celtic Park crowd has a new favourite soundtrack this season: the sound of Daizen Maeda hitting the back of the net. In a campaign where relentless energy meets clinical finishing, the Japanese forward has transformed from a hard-working winger into the undisputed talisman for Brendan Rodgers’ side. His journey from a relative unknown to the Premiership’s top scorer is a story of adaptability, sheer will, and a work ethic that perfectly embodies the modern Celtic spirit. Let’s dive into how Maeda became the cornerstone of a historic title win and a potential domestic treble.
The Meteoric Rise of a Celtic Icon
When Daizen Maeda followed Ange Postecoglou from Yokohama F. Marinos to Glasgow in early 2022, he was seen as a project—a player of immense physical gifts but raw technical ability. Fast forward to the present day, and that project has been completed with spectacular results. Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, Maeda hasn’t just maintained his infamous high-pressing game; he has elevated every aspect of his play, becoming the most potent attacking threat in Scottish football.
His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “No matter how many you score or assist, if you don’t work hard, it’s not good.” This mindset has made him the heartbeat of a team built on intensity. While his goal tally in previous seasons was respectable, his explosion in the 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal. With 33 goals across all competitions, including 16 in the Premiership, he has silenced any doubters and is the frontrunner for Player of the Year honours.
How Maeda’s Positional Shift Won Celtic the Title
A key turning point in Celtic’s season, and Maeda‘s personal campaign, was the January departure of star striker Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes. With Adam Idah as the only other recognised centre-forward, Brendan Rodgers faced a tactical dilemma. His solution was to deploy Maeda more frequently through the middle—a decision that has paid dividends beyond anyone’s expectations.
Daizen Maeda in action for Celtic against Rangers
From Winger to Central Striker
Playing centrally unlocked a new dimension in Maeda’s game. Freed from the touchline, his intelligent movement, blistering pace, and improved finishing have terrorised defences. Since moving into a more central role, he has scored 11 league goals—more than double his output from the first half of the season. His shooting accuracy has improved, and he continues to contribute assists, proving he is far more than just a finisher.
The Complete Forward Package
What makes Maeda so special is his completeness. Whether he’s leading the line, making selfless runs to create space, or tracking back to help his defence, his tactical intelligence is exceptional. Former Celtic striker and Crickex pundit Chris Sutton notes, “He must be a nightmare to play against… The different sorts of goals he’s scored – the headers, the chips, left foot, right foot.” This versatility has been crucial in big games, where he has consistently delivered key goals at critical moments.
Daizen Maeda scores a crucial goal for Celtic
The Manager’s View: “Everything I Want to See”
Brendan Rodgers’ admiration for his star forward is no secret. The Celtic manager has been vocal about his desire to extend Maeda‘s contract beyond 2027, a clear indication of his value to the project. Rodgers has praised Maeda’s coachability and relentless improvement, highlighting attributes that go beyond natural talent.
“He’s everything that I want to see in a central striker,” Rodgers stated. “His work rate, his intensity and the movement he makes through his goals… He’s very coachable and he’s a great learner.” This ability to absorb coaching and translate it onto the pitch is a hallmark of top professionals. Rodgers points to Maeda’s improved technical finishing as a product of both coaching and growing confidence, especially when operating in the heart of the attack.
Why Keeping Maeda is Celtic’s Summer Priority
As Celtic looks ahead to a crucial summer—which includes direct entry into the final qualifying round for the Champions League—retaining Daizen Maeda is arguably the club’s most important piece of business. His evolution from a £1.6 million signing to the league’s most influential player represents one of the shrewdest pieces of recruitment in recent memory.
Daizen Maeda holds the Premiership Player of the Month award
Chris Sutton, speaking on Crickex analysis, emphasized this point: “The summer is massive for Celtic, keeping him in particular… Keeping him is absolutely crucial.” Sutton argues that Maeda has been Celtic’s most important player this season due to his adaptability and goal output, which few could have predicted. His unique skill set—stretching defences, pressing from the front, and scoring a variety of goals—makes him indispensable for domestic dominance and European aspirations.
Daizen Maeda in a central attacking role for Celtic
A Statistical Leap
The numbers tell a compelling story of consistent growth:
- 2021/22: 8 goals
- 2022/23: 11 goals
- 2023/24: 10 goals
- 2024/25: 33 goals (and counting)
This dramatic jump in productivity underscores his transformation into a world-class forward operating at the peak of his powers.
Daizen Maeda: The Heartbeat of a Champion Celtic Side
From a high-energy accessory to the main event, Daizen Maeda’s story this season is one of spectacular transformation. He has become the symbol of a Crickex Celtic team that wins through intensity, intelligence, and an insatiable will to improve. His journey from a hard-running winger to the Premiership’s top scorer and Celtic’s player of the season is a masterclass in adaptability and hard work. As the Hoops close in on a potential domestic treble and prepare for a vital European campaign, ensuring Maeda remains at the heart of their project is not just a preference—it’s a necessity. What has been your favourite Maeda moment this season? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
