---
title: "Celtic: Kieran Devlin singles out Daizen Maeda for special praise"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/kieran-devlin-praise-dangerous-daizen-maeda/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-04-11T12:35:47Z"
modified: "2022-04-11T12:35:47Z"
---

# Celtic: Kieran Devlin singles out Daizen Maeda for special praise

**The Athletic journalist Kieran Devlin has paid special praise to on-loan Celtic midfielder Daizen Maeda, describing one aspect of his game as ‘wildly underrated’.**

### The Lowdown: Maeda shining on loan

The 24-year-old joined the Hoops on a temporary basis in the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou seeing him as someone who could add extra quality to his squad.

Maeda has certainly done that, already [scoring five goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/377287/Show/Daizen-Maeda) in 10 Premiership starts, including one in Saturday’s 7-0 rout of St Johnstone at Parkhead.

[Key latest Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates/)

The Japanese ace has excelled in his work [both on and off the ball](https://theathletic.com/3235948/2022/04/10/maedas-diagonal-runs-and-relentless-pressing-are-proving-his-worth-to-celtic/), proving to be an influential figure in Celtic’s double charge.

### The Latest: Devlin full of praise for Maeda

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/NoNotThatDevlin/status/1513411846602211329?s=20&t=t0RQs9isK06WxBxTbzNpzw) on Monday as he shared a tactical analysis piece from [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3235948/2022/04/10/maedas-diagonal-runs-and-relentless-pressing-are-proving-his-worth-to-celtic/), Devlin was full of praise for Maeda’s technical ability, comparing him favourably to Tom Rogic and Jota. The reporter gushed:

> “Maeda’s work-rate and pressing is great but think what he also offers Celtic in possession is wildly underrated. His attacking movement can be as creative and dangerous as a Rogic through-ball or Jota cross.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”389441″\]

### The Verdict: Hope he signs permanently

Maeda has been a fantastic signing for Celtic, making a hugely positive impact in a short space of time, and the hope is that he is considered a potential long-term acquisition.

It would be exciting to see his temporary move become permanent in the summer – there is an [option](https://www.skysports.com/app/transfer/news/12691/12506201/daizen-maeda-celtic-agree-deal-to-sign-japan-striker-on-initial-loan-in-january) for that to happen – with Postecoglou needing as many high-quality options as possible ahead of a [prospective](https://www.thenational.scot/sport/19173029.scotland-guaranteed-champions-league-group-stage-spot/) Champions League group stage return.

Maeda’s incredible energy has arguably stood out more than anything, as Devlin [has outlined](https://theathletic.com/3235948/2022/04/10/maedas-diagonal-runs-and-relentless-pressing-are-proving-his-worth-to-celtic/), but everything about him indicates that he has fitted in seamlessly to life at Parkhead.

***In other news, Alex McLeish has urged there to be contract talks with one Celtic star. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-alex-mcleish-urges-fresh-tom-rogic-talks/).***