Chris Sutton believes Celtic simply cannot replace what Daizen Maeda brings to the side amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Japanese forward’s future.
Maeda finished the season in sensational form for Martin O’Neill’s side, scoring seven goals in Celtic’s final five league matches as the Hoops stormed back to snatch the Premiership title away from Hearts on the last day.
The attacker has just one year remaining on his current contract and has openly admitted he wants to test himself at a higher level at some stage in his career, fuelling speculation over a potential summer exit.
He was expecting to make an exit last summer, but the club blocked it against his wishes. The striker was set to join Wolfsburg.
And former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes replacing Maeda would be almost impossible because of the unique qualities he brings both in and out of possession.
Speaking on The Warm-Up, Sutton said:
“I think it’s an interesting one. Could he play in the Premier League? Absolutely.
“Look, everybody knows what he is and what his characteristics are.
“So in terms of out of possession, there’s nobody better than him.
“But his undoubted finishing ability at the end of the season has been the key for Celtic.
“He is pretty much irreplaceable. From what he does, it’s incredible.
“You’ve seen some greats that have left the football club, maybe not at their level, but for example, if a goalscorer leaves, you can bring in a goalscorer, but you’re not bringing somebody in that does what Daizen Maeda can do.”
Maeda’s relentless pressing, pace and work-rate have long made him one of the most important players in Celtic’s system, but his end product in the closing weeks of the campaign elevated his influence even further.
His late goal against Hearts in the title decider was massive before Callum Osmand sealed the comeback victory that delivered Celtic’s fifth consecutive league title.
It’s likely that Maeda will be playing football elsewhere next season.
