Celtic defender Auston Trusty has given a glowing review to one of his teammates, and it’s not difficult to see why.
The 27-year-old played the entire match as the Hoops sealed a 3-1 Glasgow Derby win. It was as crucial a win over Rangers as there has been in recent memory, as there’s now just a single point between us and Hearts.
The Celts travel to Motherwell, while Hearts host Falkirk. The league leaders’ fixture is live on Sky Sports, with goals from Fir Park shown as they come.
Supporters are still reflecting on Derby delight, and it’s no wonder why. The star of the show was Daizen Maeda, who bagged a brace in incredible style.
His first goal was impressive enough, connecting with Kieran Tierney’s quick cross to put them in front.
Four minutes later, and it got even better. His stunning overhead kick is easily the best goal of the season. Just a shame the awards had already been handed out prior to this weekend.
Trusty has given high praise Maeda, and given his thoughts on the Japanese’s wonderstrike. He said (TCW):
“I didn’t know he was going to do that. Goal of the year – obviously, Yang’s already won it – Daizen’s is right up there.
“He’s fantastic, he’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. Defensively and offensively, you definitely want him on your side.
“When you see someone working their butt off, defensively and offensively, getting into every spot and tracking back, as a number nine making defensive plays in his own box, it only helps the team.”
That last point is what separates Maeda from so many others.
The goals grab attention, especially ones like Sunday’s second, but his value to this Celtic side goes well beyond numbers. He sets the tempo without the ball. He chases lost causes. He turns simple passes into problems for defenders because he never stops moving.
There have been spells this season where his finishing has frustrated supporters. Chances missed, games where the final touch just wasn’t there. But when Celtic needed someone to drag them through the biggest game of the season so far, Maeda delivered.
Questions over his future haven’t gone away either. There’s a growing feeling this could be his final season at Celtic after four relentless years in Glasgow.
If that proves to be the case, he’ll leave behind more than medals and goals.
Players like Maeda are difficult to replace because the mentality is rare. Every sprint matters to him, every recovery run matters. Supporters see that immediately, and teammates clearly do too.
Trusty’s comments say plenty about the respect Maeda has earned inside that dressing room. After Sunday, the rest of Scottish football got another reminder as well.
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