Maeda Targets Career-Best Season as Celtic Forward Hits Sixth Goal

Daizen Maeda is hitting his stride this season, with the Japanese forward bagging his sixth goal of the campaign during Celtic’s 7-1 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Unfortunately for the Hoops fans, their celebrations were cut short, lasting about 90 seconds before Dortmund’s relentless attack took over.

Nonetheless, Maeda’s form has been a bright spot in recent weeks, and his goal tally suggests he’s on track for his best season yet in green and white.

With six goals this season, including three in his last three matches, the 26-year-old is gaining momentum at just the right time, and is set to break his tally from previous seasons.

Last term, in Brendan Rodgers’ first season back at Celtic, the speedy winger bagged 10 goals in all comPetitions. In Postecoglou’s final season, he managed 11 goals.

In his first six months at the club, in the 21/22 season, he found the back of the net 8 times.

If he continues the form he’s shown this season, he’s set to break his goal tally from previous campaigns.

He told the Daily Record: “When I was playing for Marinos, I was top goal scorer in that season – and I have a similar feeling compared to that.

“Hopefully I can get as many goals as I can. There will, of course, be some period in the season when I can’t score. It will definitely come. I have to be patient in those moments and try to get opportunities to help the team.

“I’m not overly thinking about numbers in terms of goals or assists. The most important thing is to contribute to the team winning. But if my numbers go up, it would be great. The most important thing, though, is the team.

“I think if I keep playing like this, scoring and assisting in every Game, the numbers will definitely go beyond when I have done in previous seasons here.

“The numbers have been few for me and I want to get as many goals as I can. If the team is playing well, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

With Celtic pushing for both domestic and European success, Maeda’s form will be crucial. His goals are coming at an important time, and if he keeps up this pace, he could eclipse his previous campaigns and enjoy his most productive season yet in a Celtic shirt.