Celtic forward Daizen Maeda produced an excellent performance against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday.

The Japanese international has often been criticised for his lack of end product, but he produced a sublime cross for Jota to score the winner at Hampden Park, and fans on Twitter have been keen to recognise his recent improvement:

Though he was tremendous yesterday

— Siobhan (@SiobhanCeltic67) May 1, 2023

Doesn’t get the credit he deserves! His workrate is phenomenal!

— Torrabhoy (@Torrabhoy) April 30, 2023

And he has so much room to improve too is mad

— K (@Kylestirrat1) April 30, 2023

His pace his awareness and the quality of the cross for the goal was excellent and he just never stops running such a brilliant player I love him to bits tbh.

— Josh Ramsay (@JoshRam67453535) April 30, 2023

Was always class, just getting the appreciation now. One of the first names on the teamsheet

— Hakuna Hatate 🇯🇵 レンジャーズスケルパー (@quadtreblechamp) April 30, 2023

Since the World Cup he’s been one of the top 5 players. Unbelievable energy and rarely puts a foot wrong.

— Kev (@kev71986) April 30, 2023

He was always amazing at what he does a lot of fans couldn’t see through their frustration at the CL though and blamed him

— Bear (@Pickpricklypear) April 30, 2023

Maeda is a workhorse, with phenomenal work rate, but he can be a very frustrating player to watch. With his energy, pace and skill, he should be more of a threat in front of goal than he is.

At 25 years of age, consistency should no longer be an issue for Maeda but he has clearly taken longer to hit his stride since his arrival sixteen months ago than most expected.

After the winger’s display at the weekend, though, there will be few Hoops supporters quibbling with his selection in the starting lineup currently.