Daizen Maeda: Celtic’s ‘physical beast’ makes mark yet again

It was perhaps with that in mind that Rodgers has often opted to play Maeda through the middle in 2025 in preference to Adam Idah.

And the Irish striker, who came on himself to score the late second against Hibs, was unsparing in his praise of his team-mate.

“I don’t know how many games that is in a row that he’s scored,” he told Premier Sports.

“It’s not just his goals, his performance on the pitch is amazing. He’s the first name on the teamsheet, I don’t know where we’d be without him.”

After his kick out late on against Young Boys earned him a red card in Celtic’s penultimate Champions League group match, Maeda apologised to fans.

“I’m really sorry for causing trouble to the team in such a wonderful atmosphere,” he posted on X.

There were plenty of responses which were along the lines of: ‘Do whatever you like, pal,’ which suggests how plenty feel about him and his performances.

Likewise, rare glimpses of him away from playing endear him to supporters and are making him a much-loved figure.

Whether it was having his young children as mascots, or recent cameo appearances in interviews alongside team-mates.

Even ditching his previous routine of shaving his head before matches to grow his hair – apparently to appease his daughter who said she did not like him being bald – has added to the hero status.

Maeda is now front and centre at Celtic and again proved the difference on Sunday.