“I’m happy to play as a DEFENDER. I think I am best at it” – Celtic striker makes BOLD CLAIMS; reveals that he would like to help his team by transitioning from being a striker to being a Defender.

Daizen Maeda, a key player for Celtic, has been an instrumental figure in the team’s early success this season under Brendan Rodgers. The Hoops have transformed into a much-improved squad since Rodgers returned as manager, with Maeda’s form being a major contributing factor. His work ethic and versatility have not only benefited Celtic but also caught the attention of Japan’s national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, who has experimented with Maeda’s position on the field, deploying him as a wing-back in recent matches.

A Stellar Start to the Season

Since arriving at Celtic in the winter of 2022, Maeda has consistently impressed with his hardworking approach and relentless pace. In the current season, he has already scored six goals and provided two assists in just nine appearances, according to stats from Transfermarkt. His performance has been crucial in Celtic’s strong start to the season, where the team has only conceded one goal in league competition so far, and that too from a penalty.

Despite a tough 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, Celtic’s form in the domestic league remains impressive. Maeda’s contribution to the team’s overall success cannot be overstated. His ability to push forward, track back, and cover a vast amount of ground on the pitch makes him a key player for Rodgers.

Transitioning to a Wing-Back Role

At the international level, however, Maeda’s role has shifted. Japan’s national team manager, Hajime Moriyasu, has opted to deploy him as a wing-back in a system that utilizes three central defenders. This tactical change requires Maeda to take on more defensive responsibilities, something he has embraced with open arms.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Maeda explained his thoughts on the position change:

“I personally think that when we play three defenders at the back as we are doing now, I am most happy as a wing-back. I prefer being out wider than in the middle. I think my strengths are my ability to push forward and drop back too, so I think that’s where I’m at my best. And being able to play in many different positions will broaden my horizons as a player and as a team, so I want to play well in the position I’m asked to play.”

Maeda’s willingness to adapt to a new position demonstrates his team-first mentality. His preference for playing wide suits the wing-back role, where he can utilize his pace and stamina to contribute both offensively and defensively. Although traditionally a forward, Maeda sees this as an opportunity to expand his skill set and help his national team in any way possible.

“I enjoy pushing forward, but I want to help the team as much as possible, and I am quite happy to drop back and defend when needed,” Maeda added. “I try to keep a good balance and I like to think I can recover quickly because of my pace. My aim is to continue to play for my national team for as long as possible, and I am happy playing anywhere.”

Maeda’s Attributes Suited for the Wing-Back Role

On paper, Maeda’s transition to a wing-back seems like a natural fit. He is already accustomed to playing on the flanks as a winger, and his physical attributes make him well-suited for the demands of the position. Playing as a wing-back requires not only pace but also the ability to cover large areas of the pitch, and Maeda’s tireless work rate allows him to excel in both attacking and defensive phases of the game.

In the defensive phase, Maeda’s responsibilities include tracking back to support the backline, closing down opposition wingers, and staying disciplined with his positioning. His experience as a forward means he understands the tendencies of attackers, giving him an advantage when defending in wide areas.

Going forward, Maeda’s natural attacking instincts come into play. He has the ability to join the attack and provide width, making overlapping runs and delivering crosses into the box. His versatility means he can be a constant threat on the counterattack, as his pace allows him to quickly transition from defense to offense.

However, Japan might miss some of his attacking prowess when he is positioned deeper on the pitch. Maeda has mostly played as a forward for the national team, even scoring a goal against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. His effectiveness as a striker could be somewhat diminished when asked to focus on defensive duties.

Balancing Attack and Defense

Maeda’s ability to balance his attacking and defensive responsibilities will be crucial for Japan as they continue to experiment with their tactics. The wing-back role demands a player who can contribute in both areas, and Maeda’s versatility makes him a strong candidate for this position. His willingness to adapt and his desire to help the team in any capacity showcase his maturity as a player.

At Celtic, Maeda’s primary role is to attack, but at the international level, his responsibilities have expanded. While this change might seem like a challenge, Maeda has taken it in stride, focusing on how he can contribute to the team in new ways. His adaptability is a testament to his dedication and commitment to both Celtic and the Japanese national team.

Looking Forward

As Maeda continues to evolve as a player, his ability to play in multiple positions will make him even more valuable to both his club and his country. For Celtic, his attacking output will remain essential as the team looks to compete on multiple fronts, including the Scottish Premiership and the UEFA Champions League.

For Japan, Maeda’s versatility could be the key to unlocking new tactical possibilities. While his natural position may be as a forward, his performances as a wing-back have shown that he is capable of excelling in different roles. This adaptability will give Japan more options as they prepare for future international tournaments.

In conclusion, Daizen Maeda’s willingness to embrace a new role as a defender for Japan highlights his team-oriented approach and his desire to continue growing as a player. His performances for Celtic this season have been outstanding, and his ability to balance attacking and defensive responsibilities at the international level makes him a unique asset. As both Celtic and Japan look ahead to their respective challenges, Maeda will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success, whether as a forward, a winger, or a wing-back.