Celtic supporters are very excited to see new Japanese signing Daizen Maeda in action. We have all watched his highlights on Youtube and he looks fast, powerful and an excellent finisher.
Maeda’s former coach at Yokohama, John Hutchinson, has echoed these sentiments. Speaking about Maeda in the Scottish Sun, he said. “I have never seen a more physical player, in terms of speed and repeat sprinting, than Daizen.
Daizen is a physical beast. You’d have no issues sending him anywhere in Europe because it won’t be a problem to him. He’s a machine. The improvement in him over the last season or so under Ange was incredible. He makes dangerous forward runs and scores goals.
He will terrorise defenders in Scotland. If it clicks for him with Furuhashi up front, which I think it will, it will be frightening for the other teams. He’s different to Furuhashi in that he’s more all-action and powerful. We played him the majority of last season on the left wing, but when he gets in the box his first-time finishing is very good.
He’s electrifying when he gets the ball at his feet and starts running. What he really improved on was his technical ability, getting the ball under pressure and making something happen. He will bring goals, one-touch finishes and energy to Celtic. He can create for other players, too.
The majority of his work will be done inside the box. I think he only scored one for us from outside the penalty area. He’s a gentleman, a really great professional who trains so hard every day. His numbers when you analyse training and games are incredible and while that doesn’t automatically mean you can play football, in his case he’s got the complete package.”
It’s absolutely fantastic to hear how highly his former coach rates Maeda. He obviously left a massive impression on the club with his ability and tenacity. But to also hear that he is a gentleman with a terrific work ethic, is just as important to be successful as a Celtic player.
I sure I speak for us all to say I cannot wait to see him in the hoops!
