Daizen Maeda returned to the Celtic starting line-up with aplomb yesterday after scoring a brace against Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup.
The Japan international had previously been on the sidelines due to a pre-season knee injury. However, he led the line admirably on home soil, claiming two well-taken goals to help set up a quarter-final tie against Falkirk next month.
Admittedly, I, along with many others, was surprised that Adam Idah didn’t start following his big-money move from Norwich City last week. Ultimately, it turned out to be the right decision, allowing the Republic of Ireland international to feel his way back into Celtic action from the bench.
Kyogo Furuhashi is set to be assessed this week after a flare-up of his shoulder problem at Easter Road on league duty.
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the striker hasn’t gone ahead with surgery to correct the issue, but there were no unnecessary risks taken that could’ve seen him rushed back too soon.
Hopefully, he can return in time for the Bhoys’ visit to St Mirren on Sunday. Until that is confirmed, there are pertinent questions to be asked about the pecking order in his absence.
Daizen Maeda makes a case for central striking berth
Maeda predominantly operates off the left flank, helping to set the tone while Celtic press alongside utilising his goalscoring instincts to ghost in at the far post, which has seen him register 31 goals in 109 appearances for the club.
By all means and circumstances, this is a relatively decent tally. He has also played as a striker plenty of times during his career. It isn’t a position alien to him; he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Furuhashi’s recovery is important for Celtic; supporters will all wish him a speedy and swift return. However, until he is back or someone is brought in, Maeda is second in command to Idah at worst.
Rodgers hailed his exploits in his post-match analysis, stating [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard]: “I know Daizen can play as a striker. He has played in the World Cup as a striker, so he should be able to play as a striker for Celtic if needed.”
The Irishman makes a good point. With that in mind, seeing him lead the line against St Mirren this weekend wouldn’t be a major surprise.
You wouldn’t expect seeing Maeda through the middle to be a long-term arrangement, but if Furuhashi requires an extended period on the sidelines and nobody is recruited, there could be a scenario where it does.
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