Daizen Maeda Explains Why He is ‘Most happy’ as a Wing Back

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda has recently spoken about his happiness playing as a wing-back for Japan despite typically featuring in a more advanced role for the Hoops.

The 26-year-old forward, known for his relentless energy and blistering pace, has embraced a slightly different role for his national team, and he’s thriving in it.

For Celtic, Maeda usually operates further up the pitch, often playing as a winger or part of the forward line. However, for Japan, he’s found a new level of comfort in a hybrid wing-back role, where he has the freedom to both attack and defend.

This dual responsibility seems to suit the player’s style, allowing him to maximise his work rate and utilise his speed over longer stretches of the pitch.

Speaking about the positional switch, Maeda expressed his contentment: “I personally think that when we play three defenders at the back as we are doing now, I am most happy as a wing-back,” he said (Glasgow Times).

“I think my strengths are my ability to push forward and drop back too, so I think that’s where I’m at my best.”

Maeda’s comments reflect his ability to adapt to different tactical demands, something Celtic fans have seen in his Game. His tenacity, pressing ability, and speed make him well-suited to a role that requires constant movement up and down the flank.

He continued: “Being able to play in many different positions will broaden my horizons as a player and as a team, so I want to play well in the position I’m asked to play.”

Maeda’s willingness to track back and defend also stands out. He said: “I enjoy pushing forward, but I want to help the team as much as possible and I am quite happy to drop back and defend when needed.”

His speed, which is one of his standout attributes, helps him cover ground quickly, allowing him to recover defensively after forays forward. “I try to keep a good balance and I like to think I can recover quickly because of my pace,” he added.

For Celtic supporters, Maeda’s comments will come as no surprise. His work ethic and pace have been key components of his Game at Parkhead, and his ability to thrive in multiple positions can only be a benefit to the Hoops as they comPete on multiple fronts this season.