Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham after helping Celtic edge past St Mirren with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. This development comes at a time when Maeda’s own performance has come under intense scrutiny, as he has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games for Celtic.
During his visit, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham defeated Wrexham 2-0. He shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, highlighting the connection that still exists between the two players from their time at Celtic.
Despite his contributions earlier in the season, where he scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 47 appearances, Maeda’s form has notably declined. The last time he found the back of the net was in January during a 4-0 victory over Dundee United.
In stark contrast to his previous season, where he was a reliable option for Celtic, Maeda’s current performance has led to calls for him to be dropped from the starting lineup. Observers have noted that he has not scored in the final five pre-split games this season, a significant drop from the five goals he netted in the last five games before the split last season.
His teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also struggled for game time this season, adding to the challenges faced by Celtic’s attacking front. As the World Cup approaches this summer, Maeda will be keen to regain his form and make a significant impact.
Tomoki Iwata, who left Celtic for a new challenge, has made 90 appearances and scored 10 goals since his departure, further emphasizing the contrast in fortunes between the two players.
While Celtic continues to trust Maeda, as expressed by manager Martin O’Neill, the pressure is mounting for him to deliver results. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see the real version of Maeda return to form.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on Maeda, with many hoping he can turn his fortunes around before the World Cup. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to his role within the team.