Daizen Maeda’s electric form means Kyogo hasn’t been missed

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The Celtic Star

·31 de março de 2025

Daizen Maeda’s electric form means Kyogo hasn’t been missed

Daizen Maeda’s electric form for Celtic has made the Celtic support get over the transfer of Kyogo Furuhashi, according to former Hoops midfielder Scott Allan…

Daizen Maeda after scoring during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on March 29, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With Maeda stepping up as the team’s main attacking threat, the absence of his fellow countryman has barely registered among the Celtic faithful.

Vídeos OneFootball

Kyogo’s departure to Rennes in January for a reported £10 million initially raised eyebrows, particularly as Celtic opted against signing a direct replacement. However, Maeda’s transition into the central striking role has justified Brendan Rodgers’ decision, with the Japanese forward delivering crucial goals in key moments.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Over the weekend, Maeda netted a double in Celtic’s commanding 3-0 victory over Hearts, bringing his tally for the season to 30 goals. His importance to Rodgers’ system is evident, as he was selected ahead of Adam Idah for critical fixtures, including the Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich and the recent Old Firm clash with Rangers.

Meanwhile, Kyogo’s struggles in France continue. The former Celtic talisman was reduced to a mere 91st-minute cameo for Rennes over the weekend, highlighting his diminishing role in Ligue 1.

A Fundamental Player for Rodgers’ System

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Allan emphasized Maeda’s growing influence within the Celtic squad, particularly in Rodgers’ tactical setup.

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)

“For me, he is the one player in that Celtic squad who is fundamental to how they play. That is even before we get to the goals,” Allan stated.

“The press, the reaction, the positions he gets himself into—he is now adding goals to all of that. He’s scoring headers, volleys, all different types of goals. Not long ago, everyone was talking about Kyogo Furuhashi. Now? I haven’t even heard a Celtic fan mention his name since Maeda moved up front. That tells you just how good this guy has been.”

Celtic Bounce Back with Convincing Win Over Hearts

Maeda’s brace, coupled with a close-range finish from Jota, ensured Celtic put their derby defeat to Rangers before the international break firmly behind them. The champions are now edging closer to another Scottish Premiership title, with a domestic Treble still within reach.

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Rodgers praised his side’s performance following the victory, particularly given the disruptions caused by the international break.

“I thought it was a very good performance and result, especially coming off the back of an international break with players away,” the Celtic boss said.

‘The three first-half goals were of outstanding quality’

“The group only came together on Friday, but the connections were really good, and the three first-half goals were of outstanding quality. Hearts have been on a strong run and tried to press us early, similar to Hibs and (the)Rangers, but we figured it out and worked through it well.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

With a Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone looming, Celtic remain on course for yet another domestic triumph. Should they navigate that challenge successfully, a final against either Aberdeen or Hearts will stand between them and another piece of silverware.

As Celtic continue their push for glory, Maeda’s relentless form ensures he remains a pivotal figure—while Kyogo Furuhashi fades further from memory in Glasgow’s east end.

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