Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has been selected to start for Japan against Germany in their opening World Cup match [@jfa_samuraiblue].
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🔗https://t.co/lkrlviN8kI#サッカー日本代表#つな超え #新しい景色を2022 pic.twitter.com/Li2hEoVRAr— サッカー日本代表 🇯🇵 【11.17(木)】vs 🇨🇦【11.23(水)】vs 🇩🇪 (@jfa_samuraiblue) November 23, 2022
Although Celtic supporters are used to Maeda playing wide for the Hoops he is being played as the centre forward for Hajime Moriyasu.
One of the main critiques of his game has been his finishing ability but having been the second top goalscorer in the J-league last season he does know how to find the net.
In recent weeks, Maeda has spoken about the impact which Celtic coach Harry Kewell has had on his game and has also praised Ange Postecoglou as a fatherly figure.
So far this season, the former Yokohama F. Marinos star has made 22 appearances for the Hoops having scored four goals and provided four assists.
He has previously played for his country in this position before with his work rate being essential to his selection.
Many Hoops fans were left scratching their heads when Maeda was Moriyasu’s singular pick for the competition as Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate were left out of the squad.
The Samurai Blue will look to make an impact at this tournament but face a tough group aa they are also poised to face Spain and Costa Rica in their other two matches.
