If any player epitomises Ange Postecoglou’s pre-season training mantra ‘we don’t stop’ it’s his January signing Daizen Maeda.
Incessant running, intense work-rate and an eye for goal, the Japanese striker is eyeing double figures since following his manager to Celtic Park and he won’t stop, he says, until the title is mathematical certainty.
Then, and only then, will Maeda put his feet up and reflect on a job well done.
Celtic were six points behind Rangers when he arrived from Yokohama F.Marinos, initially on a loan deal. Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts saw the turnaround all but completed at Celtic Park, where expectant fans’ nerves were calmed by his equaliser and ninth of the season cancelling out Ellis Sims’ early opener that had threatened to disrupt the anticipated title party.
"To have a victory was very important. We got the result we needed and I feel okay, I feel nice,” said Maeda. "I know that last year Celtic couldn’t get the title. This is why when I came here I wanted to give absolutely everything to get a result for the team. I am happy with the way the move has turned out.
“There is not a big difference between Celtic and Rangers, both teams play at a good level, but our manager brought a good attitude to us. He made us think the right way.
"And next week, as always, we hope we will get to share the happiness we feel with our fans and supporters.
“We don’t have the league title yet, so I will only think about that when everything is settled.”
His performances, and fitness, are all the more remarkable given his schedule – Maeda has played almost a year-and-a-half non-stop through the J-League in 2021 and the first half of 2022 at Celtic. He wouldn’t have any complaints if his loan were to become permanent.
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