Celtic have a number of talented players in the squad that, when on their day, can test even the best defences in Europe.
Luis Palma and Kyogo Furuhashi have already proven that at Champions League level but it is domestically that former Celtic star, Davie Provan, has been impressed with 25-year-old, Daizen Maeda most.
The Japanese winger has also been proving just how valuable he is to Celtic in Europe but it is against Rangers that Provan thinks Maeda plays his best football.
Provan said [The Sunday Post print edition page 60], “Daizen Maeda is also a real asset on the wings. He can be explosive on the ball at any given moment and must be a headache for full-backs.
“It’s unfortunate he is injured just now. He will be a sore miss for the team.
“I’m sure Brendan would love to have him back available for the game against Rangers on December 30.
“He plays well against Rangers. He scores and he creates.”
Daizen Maeda is a thorn in Rangers’ side for Celtic
Just like Liel Abada, the Japan international seems to up his game whenever he faces the Ibrox club.
In eleven appearances against Rangers, Maeda has been on the winning side seven times, drawing twice and only losing two.
In those games, he has made three assists and scored once, in the New Year Derby last season but has been a real handful for Rangers captain, James Tavernier, to deal with. [Transfermarkt]
Whilst doubts remain over Maeda’s ability to deliver the final ball into the box, there is no doubt that against Rangers, he has proven to be a very effective weapon for Celtic.
Not just offensively, Maeda’s defensive work for Celtic has been crucial and he was pivotal in helping Rodgers’ ten men defeat Livingston earlier in the season.
Maeda is currently out injured after hurting himself in the tackle that saw him see red against Atletico Madrid this month but the Celtic fans will be hoping he will return fit and ready for the second Glasgow Derby of the season at the end of December.
In other news, ‘Hate to say it’… Kenny Miller admits he wishes Rangers had one thing that Celtic have this season
