Daizen Maeda’s place in the Celtic starting XI is beginning to come under real pressure as the season moves into its final stretch. The forward has not scored since January 10, when he found the net in the win over Dundee United.
Since then, the numbers have dropped off. His last goal contribution came on January 22 against Bologna, where he picked up an assist. There has been nothing in terms of goals or assists in the weeks that have followed.
He has still been playing. He’s been used across the front line, shifting from centre-forward to the left. The effort is there, but the return isn’t.
That leaves a question. Is it time to take him out of the side, even with everything else he brings?
There isn’t an obvious answer waiting.
Yang Hyun-jun has four goals across that same spell, which keeps him in the conversation. However, he’s been starting regularly off the right, so any shift to the left would change the shape of the team. That likely brings someone else in, either Luke McCowan or James Forrest.
Forrest isn’t someone who can start week in, week out at this stage, while McCowan has already been given chances by Martin O’Neill without fully locking down a spot. That leaves things a bit unclear when it comes to making a change.
Sebastian Tounketi is another option, but his numbers don’t push the argument much further. Five goals and two assists across all competitions is a modest return, especially for a player trying to break into the side.
That’s where the issue sits for Celtic.
Maeda isn’t producing in front of goal, but the alternatives haven’t done enough to take his place. Dropping him would be a call based on form, but bringing someone else in doesn’t guarantee a change in output.
It leaves Martin O’Neill weighing up what matters more. The running, pressing and work without the ball, or the need for a forward who can take chances when they come.
Right now, neither option feels clear.
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