Celtic winger Daizen Maeda signed a new four-year deal with the club last week.
Many supporters were eager to see the mercurial Japanese attacker put pen to paper on a new contract following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager. The treble-winning Hoops gaffer will be keen to utilise the 25-year-old, who was rather effective under Ange Postecoglou.
There were several reasons that contributed to this, but one of the most prominent for Maeda was his stable off the park life. For any footballer, having no drama in their personal life is key to performing on the pitch, and the Japan international is no different.
Indeed Maeda himself touched on this, commenting on how comfortable he and his family are off the pitch. He said (celticfc.com): “I can’t live in a place where my family doesn’t settle well. Fans and supporters in the city and at the nursery for my kids have helped us a lot, so now we feel that the city is very comfortable to live.”
It is great to hear that Maeda is settled well in Glasgow. Such off the park stability as he has combined with security regarding his contract, will only help the winger to kick on in 2023/24 and hit new heights.
Maeda is one tough guy, glad he signed another contract, his pace going forward is amazing, he has surprised me with his defending ability, team looks like its in some trouble from a breakaway and Maeda appears from nowhere to win the ball.
Final ball could improve but I like his commitment.