Daizen Maeda’s display against Falkirk didn’t go unnoticed, with Martin O’Neill quick to highlight just how important the forward was at this stage of the season.
Celtic came away with a 3-1 win at Celtic Park, but it wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests. They were in control early, then let things slip after the break before Maeda stepped in to steady the situation.
His first goal was all his own doing. He pressed high, forced an error, and still had the awareness to finish from distance. It was the kind of moment that shifts a game, especially when the opposition are trying to settle and stay organised.
The second goal arrived at a crucial time. Falkirk had pulled one back and were beginning to build pressure. Just as the game threatened to turn, Maeda popped up again to restore control and give Celtic some breathing room.
His energy never dropped. He kept closing down, kept making runs, and never allowed Falkirk’s defenders a second to relax. That edge spread through the team.
O’Neill didn’t hold back in his assessment afterwards.
He said: “I thought Daizen Maeda was phenomenal today.
“He’s got a goal out of nothing to begin with.
“And then that goal that he scores to make it 3-1.
“Big moment, because at that stage, Falkirk were pressing.
“Maeda’s performance was absolutely terrific.”
What Maeda brings goes well beyond the goals. His pressing sets the tone, pushes the team higher, and forces mistakes that don’t come through patient build-up alone.
That first goal showed exactly why he’s so effective. Falkirk hesitated for a split second trying to play out, and Maeda was already there to take advantage. It’s simple on paper, but it takes sharp timing and relentless effort to pull it off.
Celtic will need more of that in the weeks ahead. Not every game will open up, and there will be moments where space is hard to find.
If Maeda keeps playing like this, though, Celtic have a way through those tight situations
