Sport Nation 2Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, who played a pivotal role in the club’s success between 1999 and 2006, recently highlighted two standout players from his former team who he believes could make a significant impact at Aston Villa. The Bulgarian football legend, who also spent a portion of his career at Villa Park, named Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda as the Celtic players best suited to thrive in the Premier League. He expressed confidence that both could seamlessly integrate into the English top flight, particularly under the guidance of Aston Villa’s current manager, Unai Emery.
Petrov’s admiration for these two Japanese forwards comes as no surprise, given their pivotal roles in Celtic’s current squad. Both Furuhashi and Maeda have established themselves as key attacking forces in Scottish football, and their performances have drawn attention not only from Scottish fans but also from observers across Europe.
The Rising Stars of Celtic
Kyogo Furuhashi, who joined Celtic in 2021, has been a revelation for the club. His pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts have made him a fan favorite at Parkhead. The 29-year-old Japanese striker has a natural talent for finding the back of the net, and his movement off the ball makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Furuhashi’s intelligence on the pitch, combined with his agility and precision in front of goal, has seen him consistently deliver for Celtic, both domestically and in European competitions.
Daizen Maeda, another key player in Celtic’s attacking lineup, offers a different but equally valuable set of skills. Known for his blistering pace and tireless work rate, Maeda plays a crucial role in Celtic’s high-pressing game. His ability to harass defenders and force mistakes through relentless pressure makes him a valuable asset to any team. Maeda’s energy and versatility allow him to play across the forward line, adding flexibility to Celtic’s attacking options.
Why Aston Villa?
Petrov, who has a deep understanding of both Celtic and Aston Villa, believes that the Midlands club could greatly benefit from signing Furuhashi and Maeda. Speaking to Gambling.com, Petrov explained that the duo’s style of play would suit Villa’s current setup under Unai Emery. The Bulgarian football icon pointed out that both players possess qualities that would enhance Aston Villa’s attacking options, particularly in the fast-paced and physically demanding environment of the Premier League.
“I think they’d suit every team,” Petrov said of the two Celtic stars. “Maeda, with his pace, his energy, his ability to push full-backs and to press, is incredible. Probably one of the best I’ve seen in football. And Kyogo is just a classy player, a great striker with so much ability. He’s really clever, and the main thing is he scores goals.”
Unai Emery’s tactical approach at Aston Villa has thus far avoided the traditional use of wingers, favoring a narrow midfield setup. However, Petrov believes that adding dynamic and creative wingers like Maeda, or a clinical forward like Furuhashi, could provide Emery with more attacking options, especially as the team looks to compete on multiple fronts in domestic and European competitions.
The Premier League Challenge
While the Scottish Premiership has its own set of challenges, the Premier League is known for its intensity, physicality, and the high level of competition. However, Petrov remains convinced that both Furuhashi and Maeda are well-equipped to make the transition. He highlighted their experience in European competitions, where they have faced top-tier opponents, as evidence of their ability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Maeda’s pace and stamina would allow him to thrive in the fast-paced, counter-attacking style often employed by Premier League teams. His pressing ability would also align well with the high-energy, all-action style that has become a hallmark of many successful Premier League sides. Furuhashi, on the other hand, offers the kind of intelligent movement and finishing ability that could see him compete with some of the best strikers in England.
Additionally, both players have shown resilience and adaptability throughout their careers, traits that are essential for succeeding in one of the world’s toughest football leagues. Furuhashi, in particular, has already proven his worth in big matches, delivering crucial goals for Celtic in key moments. His ability to perform under pressure would make him an asset for any Premier League team.
Aston Villa’s Current Trajectory
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa has experienced a resurgence in form and consistency. Emery, known for his tactical acumen and ability to build competitive teams, has transformed Villa into a side capable of challenging for European spots in the Premier League. Adding players like Furuhashi and Maeda could help Emery further develop Villa’s attacking options and provide additional depth as they push for higher league positions and cup success.
Petrov believes that the timing could be perfect for Aston Villa to make a move for the Celtic duo. With the January transfer window approaching, the club could look to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season. Petrov’s endorsement of Furuhashi and Maeda suggests that these two players could be among the top targets for Villa, should they decide to make additions to their forward line.
Celtic’s Potential Loss
While Aston Villa could potentially gain two quality players, Celtic would be losing two of their most important assets. Both Furuhashi and Maeda have been instrumental in Celtic’s recent success, and their departure would undoubtedly leave a void in the squad. However, Celtic is no stranger to developing talent and selling players to bigger leagues, and the club could use the funds from any potential transfer to reinvest in new talent.
Celtic fans would undoubtedly be disappointed to see their star players leave, but such is the reality of modern football, where clubs from larger leagues often lure top talent away from smaller competitions. Still, the potential move would represent a significant step forward in the careers of Furuhashi and Maeda, as the Premier League offers them the chance to test themselves against some of the best players in the world.
Conclusion
Stiliyan Petrov’s call for Aston Villa to consider signing Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda highlights the growing reputation of Celtic’s top players beyond the Scottish Premiership. With both players excelling under Brendan Rodgers, they have proven themselves as top talents in Scotland and Europe, making them prime candidates for a move to the Premier League.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has the ambition and resources to compete at a higher level, and adding players like Furuhashi and Maeda could help them take the next step. For now, Celtic fans will hope to enjoy more of the duo’s brilliance on the pitch, but the lure of the Premier League may soon see these two stars shine on a bigger stage.
Amina Umar
Sport nation