“Masterclass” youngsters told they could learn from player

Yesterday, Daizen Maeda scored an incredible hat-trick to celebrate his 100th appearance and advance Celtic to the Scottish Cup semi-final.

With his shooting boots on, the Japan international could have easily scored three more goals if his finishing had matched his movement.
And it was precisely this movement that made BBC pundit Rory Loy swoon, stating that any budding player in the league would take a cue from Maeda’s “masterclass” during Celtic’s victory over Livingston.

At 2-2, Livingston’s strategy appeared to shift, and they began to defend, but Maeda’s movement, any young player watching this today in the stadium, watching a home watching the highlights later, Loy said [BBC Sport].

“During training, when they’re following the prescribed routine or when the coach goes over the specifics of how to move, how to enter the box, how to time your runs, and other things.

Additionally, younger players have a propensity to lose interest or switch off. However, Maeda’s movement in the build-up play depends heavily on it.

Since we are present at the game when the ball is on the other side, we are able to see it. Today was a master class. It truly was.

He plays on the last defender’s shoulder because of this. His small movement puts him ahead, his accuracy is good, and he finishes with a tap to complete his hat trick.
As I mentioned before, Maeda has been a fantastic addition to Celtic since moving there in 2021. And the Celtic children could pick up more than just his gait.

One of the key factors in Celtic’s success over the previous two seasons under Ange Postecoglou has been Maeda’s pace, energy, and relentless pressing.

And even though we will always remember him fondly for the amount of energy and effort he gave to the cause every time he put on the green and white Hoops, he can frustrate with his final ball and, ironically, with his poise in front of goal.

In other news, Pundit Left Impressed By Celtic January Signing in Livingston Win: “He looks like a player.”