‘Lazy’ Daizen Maeda Criticised

Daizen Maeda’s struggles in Belgrade have drawn sharp criticism from former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Red Star, McGeady suggested the Japanese forward looked ineffective and even labelled aspects of his play as “lazy.”

Maeda was chosen ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the line, but lasted only 45 minutes before being hooked at half-time. In that period he made little impact, failed to hold the ball up, and was repeatedly caught offside, leaving Celtic without a proper focal point in attack.

The contrast after Iheanacho’s introduction was telling. The Nigerian immediately gave Celtic a platform to build on, linked play well, and went on to score the opener, underlining the difference McGeady had pointed out.

For the ex-Celtic winger, the issue was not effort but suitability. He argued that Maeda is not an out-and-out striker and his performance mirrored earlier European displays where the Hoops lacked control up front.

He said: (BBC Radio Scotland), “We had a discussion before the game, ‘who was going to start as the striker?’

“Maeda got the nod over Iheanacho, but I do think it’s very much like the Kairat game, in terms of Maeda’s performance.

“He drops deep, but he isn’t an out-and-out striker. I don’t think. He’s not the focal point; the ball keeps coming back the way. He has been caught offside quite a few times.

“Some would say, ‘that’s lazy’. But Celtic can’t get the ball up the pitch (in the first half), the same way Red Star can.”

McGeady’s comments are likely to split opinion, with plenty of fans already debating whether Maeda should play as a central striker or out wide. His running and effort are never in doubt, but when it comes to keeping the ball and making an impact in Europe, he often faces criticism.

Rodgers chose to start him through the middle in Belgrade, but the move didn’t work and it could change his thinking for future games. With Iheanacho looking a stronger option up front, the Irishman may now lean towards using him as the main striker more often.

For Maeda, the task is clear: answer the doubters by adding more on the ball to match his energy. His speed and pressing will always be useful, but he needs to prove he can do more damage in front of goal.

Celtic may have taken a valuable point away from Serbia, but the questions about the attack won’t go away.