Charlie Mulgrew has shared his thoughts on Daizen Maeda’s recent dip in form, suggesting that the Celtic forward may be struggling to replicate the relentless energy and pressing that made him such a key figure last season.
Mulgrew was full of praise for the Japanese international’s impact last year, highlighting his work rate and selflessness as central to Celtic’s success. However, he hinted that Maeda’s mindset might have shifted slightly after a summer where transfer speculation surrounded his future.
The 27-year-old was reportedly close to leaving Celtic earlier in the year, but a move never materialised. Since then, his performances have been inconsistent, and fans have noticed a drop in his trademark intensity.
Mulgrew believes Maeda still has a big role to play for Celtic but says the forward must rediscover his focus and drive if he wants to earn another move in the future, and continue to be an asset for Brendan Rodgers’ side in the present.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I think there’s something there, but I don’t know — I can’t quite put my finger on it. I think with Maeda, what they were doing a lot last year was maybe not scoring from the first or second attack, but pressing the ball straight away again and winning it back.
“There was a big emphasis on the counter-press, and I just don’t know if Maeda has one foot out the door now.
“He was a huge player last year with the way he ran and pressed. I just think he needs to step up now. I know he scored the winner the other day — hopefully that gives him the lift to get back to where he was. At the end of the day, if you want to earn a move, you need to do it by performing for Celtic.”
Mulgrew’s comments come as doubts grow over Celtic’s attacking form after the departures of Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kühn. Without Maeda firing on all cylinders, the team has found it hard to match the same energy and sharpness in attack.
Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to be more consistent and mentally stronger during this tricky run of games. For Maeda, that means finding again the work rate and drive that once made him a key part of the side.
Mulgrew’s comments act as both criticism and motivation, a reminder of how much Celtic relied on Maeda’s pace and pressing, and how crucial those qualities could be if he gets back to his best.
With talk about a possible move still in the background, the next few weeks could show whether Maeda can prove his value to Celtic again or if his spell in Glasgow is nearing its end.
