In his first 107 games for Celtic, Daizen Maeda scored 29 goals. In his last 49 games (this season), he has managed 33 goals and 11 assists, with 3 games still to play.
A phenomenal upward trend for a player, renowned for his sheer unrelenting industry but not necessarily his technical ability. Not just your average “try hard” type industry, but the type that churns milk into butter and overhit passes into goals. The Japanese forward works relentlessly, but more importantly, has worked something out - in a footballing sense; something has clicked. With 62 goals in total for the club, the 27-year-old - if he keeps scoring at this rate – will be chasing down a 100 in no time.
A pronounced improvement has been made to Maeda’s all-around game. Incremental gains in his first touch, striking of the ball, and positioning have been added to a general composure that comes with experience. This and the fact that he has recently been moved to a central striking position have culminated in a remarkable record of 19 goals in 22 games.
His newfound technique and composure were most evident on these occasions.
Club Brugge(H)
Celtic were a tough watch in this one. Only an exquisite, off-the-cuff moment of improvisation rescued a point, on a night when lots was expected but little was delivered.
Having received the ball close to the by-line, with his back to goal. He conjured up a smart, adapted Cruyff turn, buying a yard and just enough of an angle, to produce an inch-perfect, curling finish inside the far post. A moment of exceptional quality at the highest level. Parkhead bellowed in surprise and relief.
Without trying to condescend, nothing to this point in his career had suggested he was capable of such a goal. This was the beginning of the new - version 2.0 - Maeda. Celtic’s talisman.
Hearts(H)
His first goal in the recent 3-0 victory over Hearts is a perfect example of polish, added to persistence.
Having been sprung by Callum McGregor’s weighted through ball, the Japanese forward found himself 1 on 1, bearing down on the goalkeeper.
It may sound innocuous, but this scenario is the acid test for strikers. A barometer of their coolness in front of goal. Clinical strikers will thrive under the pressure; those short on confidence will crumble. Flag down, seats up, and the eyes of 60,000 on you; time can stand still, a lot can go wrong.
In previous seasons, those behind the goal would have been forgiven for securing their bovril with both hands, but these are different days for Maeda. There was little doubt in the outcome. After a small touch to open his body and create an angle, he slotted the ball past Gordon, into the bottom corner before wheeling away to soak up the adulation of the crowd.
I dare say his name in the same breath, but this was the type of goal, you know who used to score with regularity and ease.
Dundee Utd(A)
Both assists on this occasion were stark examples of another improved aspect of his game; his crossing, which, coldly put, was always terrible. Blasted aimlessly, as if out of a cannon or punted into the stands.
At Tannadice though, he delivered two perfect left-footed deliveries – he’s right-footed – to present Nicolas Kuhn with tap-ins. The first was particularly pleasing in it’s nuance; curled between the back-line and goalkeeper, in a channel almost impossible to defend.
Harry Kewell, eat your heart out. And thanks, by the way.
Celtic are reportedly set to offer Maeda a new deal to secure his future, peak years, recognising not just the player he is, but what he can become. The salary being offered will reflect this, but having been an almost cult figure in the early days of his Celtic career - maybe even somewhat derided – Maeda is now our most valuable asset and on the cusp of superstardom if he stays. His role in this season’s Champions League success was pivotal, and it’s fair to say that, if this is to be repeated in next season’s campaign, Maeda will be front and centre.
It's going to be a long, cruel summer. I’ve counted 5 Premier League clubs linked already and we’re still in May. Strap yourself in.