“His quality has got better,” Halliday on Daizen Maeda, “It’s not fair”

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The Celtic Star

·14. März 2025

“His quality has got better,” Halliday on Daizen Maeda, “It’s not fair”

Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday believes ‘it’s not fair’ that Celtic have the advantage of having Daizen Maeda in their squad!

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scoring during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Japanese forward has been in excellent form for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, netting 27 goals and providing eight assists in 41 games across all competitions.

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Maeda impressed during the first half of the season, and after shifting to a central striker role following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure to Ligue 1 side Rennes, his performances has notably improved further.

Speaking on his regular podcast Open Goal, Halliday said: “It’s not fair”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Halliday, who has faced Daizen Maeda multiple times while playing for Motherwell, believes it’s unfair that Celtic possess a player of his calibre. Speaking on his regular podcast Open Goal, Halliday said: “It’s not fair.”

“His quality has got better”

“He could play today at 3pm. He could play another game today. He could play with his pals. It’s not right. I just don’t get it. But his quality has definitely got better. Through the middle of the pitch, his quality has got better.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Although it’s still March, Daizen Maeda has already exceeded his best goalscoring tally for Celtic by a significant amount. He will aim to make his mark again on Sunday lunchtime when theRangers visit Celtic Park. With their tired legs after last night the last thing that they could be doing with is Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and running at them!

Like Kyogo, Daizen enjoys scoring against theRangers

The 27-year-old has netted twice in three matches against the Ibrox side this season, including an historic penalty shootout winner in December to seal the Premier Sports League Cup trophy.

Daizen Maeda with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay

Celtic will be seeking revenge in Glasgow’s east end this weekend after their rivals triumphed 3-0 in the previous encounter between the two teams. A victory on Sunday would mean the Hoops would only be two wins away from securing a fourth consecutive league title.

Conor Spence

Talking of fabulous Celtic strikers….

27 August 2000: Henrik Larsson celebrates during the Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 6 – 2. Photo: Stu Forster /Allsport