Celtic forward Daizen Maeda came in for some stick from certain sections of the fanbase after the 3-2 win over Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
The Japanese international was tasked with leading the line after manager Ange Postecoglou decided to keep Giorgos Giakoumakis on the bench at Pittodrie. He did waste an early chance with a header from an Anthony Ralston cross and, he didn’t really get another sniff on goal.
That might have been why he was singled out for criticism, but he did work very hard for the team and didn’t give Aberdeen’s defence a moment’s peace before being replaced midway through the second half. Most fans on Twitter believe that Maeda deserves to be cut some slack:
People forget he is just in the door! Add to that playing games every 3 days plus traveling round the world with Japan. He played in two games in two days each at the other side of the world 😂😂.. Give the boy time to settle and get to grips with his new life at least.
— Framie1888 (@framie1888) February 10, 2022
Maeda needs time to settle, his turn of pace is a great asset to the team alone. The guy travelled halfway around the world to pull on the shirt last week. That’s dedication for you.
— George Montgomery (@GeorgeM35159711) February 10, 2022
Ridiculous that folk are ripping him already. We’ve been spoiled by Jota and Kyogo coming in and banging in goals straight away. He needs time to settle and adjust and already has a couple goals.
— Jord (@JD_Hepe) February 10, 2022
Worth reminding folk the bhoy is a left winger not a centre forward
— CelticFan7691 (@CelticFan7691) February 9, 2022
I think people also forget not all signings will settle the way kyogo did! Just needs a run do games to settle, international break didn’t help him much coming after 2 games played.
— Elax. (@ElaxOfficialG) February 9, 2022
I ain’t saw one game where he had been brilliant tbf I think he’s a player but he needs to give more if he knocks it past any defender in that league they ain’t catching him
— Joe McMenamin (@JoeMcMenamin14) February 10, 2022
Expectations based on how well Kyogo and Hatate have done, who have been exceptional but that's hardly a fair comparison. He's doing fine.
— Justin Burt (@jangusburt) February 10, 2022
I love this guy he's an absolute winner,I hope the rest of the fans give him time he will become the Bhoy.
— John Morrison (@JohnMor04438834) February 9, 2022
The jury is very much still out on Maeda. His work rate is superb and his commitment to the cause is admirable as he returned early from international duty to come off the bench for the clash against Rangers.
However, Maeda will need to be more clinical in front of goal if he is going to stay in the team, particularly when Kyogo Furuhashi is back fit.