Ex Celtic boss waxes lyrical about 'world class' Parkhead star - but club future questioned after World Cup exit
Japan’s last-32 World Cup exit has left Daizen Maeda questioning his future at club level
Ange Postecoglou has labelled Celtic star Daizen Maeda as “world class” at the World Cup - before the Japanese international suggested he might leave Parkhead this summer.
The former Hoops manager, who brought the 28-year-oldto Glasgow’s East End back in 2022, is well aware of the versatile forward’s capabilities.
Maeda has impressed at the tournament, with his crucial goal in the 1-1 draw against Sweden sending the Samurai Blue through to the knockout stages.
He delivered another strong first-half display against Brazil in Houston. And speaking on STV's coverage of the match, Postecoglou highlighted Maeda's pressing as a significant threat to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
At half-time, he stated: “This is the bit that is going to be crucial now, don't sit back. Japan have been in this position before. 2018 against Belgium 2-0 up, Croatia 2022 1-0 up.
"If they press at the right times like this they will make it very difficult for Brazil. You can't do it for 45 minutes at that tempo but I've coached Maeda and I've said it before, this guy is absolutely world class at this.
“It may seem like a small thing but his pressing ability... just watch him close down space. He takes a touch and before you know it he's on the ball. If they can keep that intensity up at different moments and regulate it, they're going to make it awfully hard.”
Daizen Maeda hints at potential Celtic exit
Maeda expressed pride in his nation’s World Cup showing and is proud of the team’s achievements. However, their last-32 exit at the hands of Brazil has left him questioning his future at club level and hinting at a potential move away from Celtic.
As quoted by Sky Sports News, Maeda said: “I personally feel that I need to keep improving and take another step forward. It made me realise that I can’t stay at my current level and that I need to become a better player.
“We fought a great game, but the opponent was strong and I think we still have a long way to go. Of course, we had the feeling that we could do it, but Brazil is just so skilled and powerful and we ended up spending a lot of time defending. I think it was just a matter of time before they scored.
“What we’ve done up until now remains unchanged. I want to return to Japan with my head held high. So many fans came to the stadium to back us and I know a lot of people stayed up to watch even in the middle of the night in Japan, so I want to thank them all for their support.
“What we have built together over these past three and a half years since the Qatar World Cup is something I am very proud of. But I apologise for the defeat.”