The debate in some places over Daizen Maeda is becoming a little crazy. That cohort of our support who enjoy writing players off before they’ve even properly gotten their feet under them are now turning on him with their typical fury.
But for the rest of us, it’s take a deep breath and relax time.
This guy has a tougher adjustment curve than others do.
He actually played an entire season prior to his move to Scotland – where he was the top scorer in the league – and so there is a huge amount on his shoulders as he tries to settle in, tries to cope with a second punishing schedule on top of the first and gets to know his team-mates and Ange’s style of play … slowly but surely he’ll get there.
Some players can settle right away, or at least hit the ground running – like Hatate and Kyogo – and others need a spell of acclimation before they are properly doing it for you. A case in point is our big Greek striker Giakoumakis.
He had to put up with all the same negativity from certain people when he was just in the door, including some ex-Celts in the media whose entire reason for being seems to be attacking this club and those who play for it.
He has turned almost all of them with some sterling displays and that hat-trick against Dundee has done him no harm at all.
Maeda has been specifically picked by the manager for what he knows he can bring to the team.
This was not some random choice or player recommended by the scouting department; Ange is choosing the tools for this job himself, knowing exactly what he wants in every position and this guy is part of the plan.
We simply must have faith in that.
The truth is, with even Hatate going off the boil a wee bit a long Japanese season is already catching up with these guys a bit.
They will get us through this campaign, I’m sure, but the fact is we’re probably not going to see the best of some of Ange’s players until the next campaign when they have a full pre-season under their belts.
In the meantime, have a little faith. You can see in flashes what Maeda will bring to us, and I suspect before too long we’ll be singing his praises along with the rest.
What did the banner say last night
the banner said we are not half a part of anything ,next line if theres money to be made, next line you can stick your friendly up your arse .
Think you are right James about Maeda BUT
what is more concerning for me is Hatate…
he looks a totally different player from the one who played the Rankers…. he has done nothing since and it showed again last night
HH
I think Maeda is unjustly criticised. He is constantly running about and harrying defenders, and is constantly making runs that make the passers in the team look good, and that’s if they find him. I agree that he needs time, especially with having just finished a full season on Japan, but when you consider that, with the efforts I have already mentioned, he deserves a lot of credit.
100% agree, we not showing the same intensity but that’s what a squad is for – to cover for injured, suspended or tired out players for a whole season. Ange done well getting the likes of Maeda, Hatate, etc in January and they have initially answered the call. But they two in particular have played more than a season and its catching up with them. When our injured players return they will be repaired and rested and the likes of Ralston will when called upon give a 100%. Its still ours to lose. HH
Celtic must play work against Livingston he has the aggression to play against. A agresive team play him. Till he takes a card he moves the ball forward. More than back passing
Sorro not work
Maeda has already contributed positively since his arrival. He will also get better, of that there is no doubt. A great signing!