Celtic forward Daizen Maeda heads into Japan’s World Cup opener this weekend feeling far more prepared than he did four years ago.
Japan begin their Group F campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday night before facing Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26. It is a tough section, but Maeda arrives with form behind him after finishing the season strongly at Celtic.
That matters for Japan. Maeda gives them speed, pressing and the ability to play across the front line. In tournament football, where games can swing on one run in behind or one loose pass forced high up the pitch, his style has real value.
For Celtic supporters, there will be interest in how he is used. Maeda has played wide for much of his time in Glasgow, but he can also operate closer to goal, where his movement and work-rate can unsettle centre-backs.
Maeda believes he is going into this World Cup in a much better place.
He said: (TCW), “I am approaching this World Cup with a lot more confidence than I did four years ago.
“I made the previous World Cup squad at the very last minute, and it was all over in a flash for me. I finished the season in good form at Celtic, and I believe I have prepared well for it this time.
“I just want to show my strengths wherever I’m given the chance. I am happy to play as a second striker or on the wing. I am confident. Both as a team and individually, we’ve built a solid foundation.
“And we are sure we can make an impact.”
A strong World Cup from Maeda would only add to the attention already around him this summer.
His numbers and role at Celtic have made him one of the players clubs will naturally look at. He is not just a runner. His end product improved, and his ability to stretch a back line gives teams a route out when they are under pressure.
Japan’s opening game against the Netherlands should give a better idea of how much trust Maeda has from the start. Against a side that will look to control possession, his pressing and counter-attacking threat could be useful.
Celtic will be watching closely. Maeda’s confidence is high, and if he carries his club form into the World Cup, the noise around his future is unlikely to quieten down.
