Celtic FC might have a big problem on their hands

Things are going from bad to worse for Daizen Maeda, and it appears Celtic FC could be facing a serious dilemma regarding one of their most hardworking and versatile players. The Japanese international, known for his relentless energy, pressing, and commitment on the pitch, has been struggling both with form and fitness in recent weeks, a combination that threatens to derail Celtic’s attacking rhythm at a crucial point in the season.

For much of his time at Celtic, Maeda has been a fan favourite. His tireless running and ability to press opponents high up the pitch make him an essential part of the team’s strategy. However, recent performances have shown a noticeable dip in his effectiveness. His touch has looked heavy, his final ball inconsistent, and his composure in front of goal lacking. Supporters, who once celebrated his energy as a key weapon, are beginning to worry that the physical toll of his style might finally be catching up with him.

Reports from inside the club suggest that Maeda has been playing through discomfort, dealing with recurring muscle tightness that has affected his explosiveness. While not officially sidelined, his reduced intensity in recent matches has been evident. Some observers believe manager Brendan Rodgers may soon have to take the difficult decision to rest him, even if that means losing his pressing presence in key fixtures.

Celtic’s current injury list and lack of depth in wide positions make the situation even more complicated. With Liel Abada and Yang Hyun un also dealing with issues at different stages this season, Rodgers has had to rely heavily on Maeda to fill multiple attacking roles. This constant reshuffling, combined with the demands of domestic and European fixtures, has placed immense pressure on the player. It’s a situation that raises serious questions about squad management and long-term planning at Parkhead.

For Maeda, this period could define his Celtic career. His energy and dedication have never been in doubt, but there’s growing frustration among fans that his end product hasn’t improved significantly since his arrival from Yokohama F. Marinos. Critics argue that while his work rate is invaluable, Celtic need more creativity and cutting edge in the final third, especially against compact Scottish Premiership defences where intensity alone isn’t enough to break teams down.

There’s also the psychological aspect to consider. Maeda, like many Japanese players who move abroad, has faced the challenge of adapting to a different culture, climate, and style of football. When form dips, the pressure intensifies, particularly at a club like Celtic where expectations are sky-high every week. Teammates and staff have praised his professionalism, but even the most determined players can be affected by fatigue and criticism.

From the club’s perspective, Celtic may need to think carefully about how to manage Maeda’s minutes and confidence. With crucial fixtures coming up, including domestic title clashes and European commitments, the team cannot afford to lose him entirely, yet overworking him could lead to a long-term injury. Rodgers faces a delicate balancing act: protect one of his key players or risk further decline by keeping him on the pitch.

Ultimately, Maeda’s situation reflects a broader issue at Celtic, the fine line between maintaining high performance levels and managing player welfare in a congested schedule. The club’s ability to handle this challenge could determine not just Maeda’s future, but also the success of their campaign.

For now, all eyes will be on how Rodgers responds. Whether Maeda bounces back or continues to struggle could shape the narrative of Celtic’s season. What’s certain is that both the player and the club will need to find solutions quickly, because right now, things are indeed going from bad to worse.