ANGE POSTECOGLOU believes that Celtic striker Daizen Maeda will be the solution to teams who play Celtic with ten men behind the ball.
It’s a common occurrence for Celtic to face a team with one objective: to limit their scoring opportunities. Teams sit deep, defending their box and have no intention to push up the park unless they get a set piece.
In the past, this has caused Celtic problems, but Postecoglou believes the signing of Maeda may help the team break down the low block and collect three points.
Talking to Celtic TV, The Aussie Boss said; “Obviously I’ve worked with Daizen so I know what he can bring to a side, and a lot of his work is stuff that maybe isn’t flashy and maybe doesn’t get the headlines, But in a team concept it’s very important. especially the way we want to play, it’s not just his pressing, but he makes a lot of runs off the ball, he doesn’t receive it a lot of times, but he creates space and opportunities for other players. Particularly when we’re playing against teams who sit deep. He’s just got a great energy about him and a great appetite for work.’
“He’s got a great reservoir of energy that he can call upon, whether it’s the first minute or the last. And again, he’s only taking his first steps in his Celtic career, he’ll improve and he’ll get better, but he has brought a good energy to the group.”
Last season, the Japanese striker had the most sprints in the J-League, almost double second place. Watching him in Scotland, it’s not surprising. Constantly on the move, it’s incredible how quickly the player recovers after a sprint before making another run or tracking back.
Recent performances have cast fans doubts about the player after going through a spell.
He can focus on the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox with an international break off. All being well and fitness being at a suitable level, he will start his first Derby match in green and white.
