‘Martin Put His Arm Around Him’ – Ange Postecoglou on Celtic Stars Late Revival

If Daizen Maeda does leave Celtic this summer, he will depart having produced one of the most remarkable runs of form in recent memory.

When Celtic needed somebody to drag them over the finish line, the Japanese forward delivered.

Nine goals in seven matches. Goals in every game. Big moments. Big pressure. Big performances.

Without that run, Celtic probably don’t win the league.

Maeda’s form exploded just when Martin O’Neill’s side needed it most. There was the stunning overhead kick against Rangers at Celtic Park. The late winner against Hearts that swung the title race firmly in Celtic’s favour. And a succession of crucial goals that helped transform a difficult campaign into a domestic double.

Now, the man who first brought Maeda to Celtic has revealed how impressed he was by the turnaround.

Speaking during Japan’s World Cup campaign, former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou praised both the player and the current manager.

“His goalscoring towards the end, Martin put his arm around him and got the best out of him because he was going through a tough time,” he told STV

“At the end of it he was unbelievable, he scored an unbelievable goal against Rangers, an overhead kick.

“That’s the freakish ability he has, not just from a physical perspective, but to score goals.”

Whether the forward remains at Parkhead beyond this summer remains uncertain, but doubtful.

Interest in the 28-year-old continues to grow and many expect him to move on after signing off with the best form of his Celtic career.

If that proves to be the case, he will leave with the gratitude of supporters and a place in the club’s modern history secured.

Not every player gets to score the goals that win titles. Daizen Maeda did exactly that.