As Maeda wins Player of the Month, he has a Celtic legend’s record in his sights.

To start, I don’t think this man needs an introduction. He’s a machine, a relentless force on the pitch, a ‘Celtic beast.’ A genuine elite level footballer known for his blistering pace and goal-scoring prowess.

You already know who I’m talking about—Daizen Maeda.

I have to say, he’s my second favourite player after Callum McGregor, and every time he steps onto the pitch, I’m absolutely buzzing. I could watch him play for hours.

But here’s the big question: could Daizen Maeda be the successor to Henrik Larsson, the man Celtic fans revere as the ‘King of Kings’? Could he be the one to chase down Larsson’s records?

Before diving into Maeda’s credentials, let’s take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Henrik Larsson. He was the complete striker—skilful, strong, and deadly with both feet and his head. His heading ability alone made him one of the finest forwards to ever wear the Hoops. But that wasn’t all.

Larsson had a tremendous touch, outstanding vision, and an innate understanding of the game. He could pass, create, and instinctively knew where to be at the right time. Watching him, even in video clips, as I never had the pleasure of watching him play for real, was a joy. He wasn’t just a goal machine; he was a footballing artist.

That’s why he stands tall as one of the greatest players in Celtic’s history. But is Maeda cut from the same cloth?

Daizen Maeda is a phenomenon. His pace is electric, his work rate is relentless, and his finishing ability is improving season after season. Some call him a ‘physical beast,’ and rightly so. He sprints, presses, and battles like a warrior.

He’s not just about speed—he can score from distance, link up play, and he’s developed a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time.

He’s had plenty of moments to prove it too. I’m thinking right now of his brace in the 5–1 demolition of Aberdeen, about his alertness for both the first and last goals in the game, and particularly that first which is pure instinct in the way Larsson was.

He does things frequently now that automatically draw comparisons with the King of Kings; it’s not for nothing that my friend James Forrest drew attention to his excellent header, which came off the post, and set up Jota’s goal at the weekend. Larsson was of a similar stature, and he used to score goals like that all the time.

And then there are his hat-tricks.

When he got three against Raith Rovers back in February, he did something only a handful of Celtic players did; three hat-tricks in the space of twelve months; one against Livingston in March 2024, one in November against Aberdeen and the third in the Scottish Cup against Raith Rovers.

Had he gotten another hat-trick he would have equalled a Larsson record for being the only Celtic player to score four hat-tricks in a calendar year. The King of Kings did that back in 2002. Maeda came close a few times. If he can get two more before November, he’s made it. Three more and he’ll set his own record. Imagine that.

Brendan Rodgers famously did not want to play Daizen through the middle, but like others he has reluctantly, but pragmatically, concluded that he’s been a relevation and he has been singing his praises. Speaking to Celtic TV in February, he said:

“Daizen is a phenomenal player. If you look at his goal return since February, I think he has 15 goals in 11 games. The only game he hasn’t scored in a full 90 minutes was away at Bayern. But virtually every other game, I’m pretty sure he has scored in.

“It’s not just his goals—it’s what he gives in the pressing. The pressing really sparks off, and that’s what I like to think my teams are built on: that high-intensity pressure from the front. He’s absolutely perfect for that. But the thing that doesn’t get mentioned enough is his movement. His movement in the game is as good as you will see. It doesn’t surprise me because of all the attributes and anticipation he has in his game. He’s just an absolutely phenomenal player, and I’m sure he’ll score even more goals before the season is out.”

Rodgers is spot on. Where would Celtic be without him this season? His work rate, his pressing, his relentless energy—he’s the heartbeat of this team.

To sum it up, if I were heading into battle, I’d want him by my side, because I’d know he’d fight to the last breath. Every squad needs warriors—players willing to sacrifice for the team. Celtic have plenty of them: McGregor, Johnston, Carter Vickers and others. But Maeda stands out. He’s got that extra spark. That special something.

So, let me say it again, loud and clear: Daizen Maeda is a warrior. Please, Celtic, give this man the contract he deserves and will keep him for the best years of his career. He can be my generation’s Larsson, that guy who we’ll want to tell our grandkids that we saw in the flesh the way fans from 20 years ago talk endlessly about the dreadlocked Swede who couldn’t stop scoring goals.

Paulina Jaczek is a Celtic fan, and writer, from Poland. She regularly posts her videos on Facebook, and can be found on YouTube at GlasgowMyLove, where she talks about her love for Celtic and Glasgow in her trademark traffic cone hat!