Japan secured a solid 2-0 victory over Bahrain in their latest international fixture, but the win was overshadowed by intense criticism directed at Celtic forward Daizen Maeda. A glaring missed opportunity in front of goal has led to widespread calls from Japanese fans for Maeda to be dropped from the national team immediately.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, many supporters were left frustrated after Maeda squandered a golden chance to put Japan further ahead. The incident occurred in the second half when a perfectly placed through ball set him up for what seemed to be an inevitable goal. However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, Maeda failed to convert, sending his shot wide of the post. The miss did not affect the final outcome of the match, but it was enough to ignite a wave of criticism across social media and football forums.
Following the game, the hashtag #MaedaOut began trending on Japanese Twitter, with fans expressing their anger over his inconsistency in front of goal. Many questioned whether the Celtic forward deserves his spot in the squad, given the wealth of attacking talent Japan possesses.
fan wrote, “This is not the first time Maeda has failed to deliver in crucial moments. He is wasting our attacking chances, and we need a more clinical finisher up front.” Another added, “Maeda’s work rate is impressive, but at this level, missing sitters like that is unacceptable. He does not belong in this squad.”
While some fans acknowledged Maeda’s tireless pressing and defensive contributions, others argued that his inability to finish clear-cut chances makes him a liability rather than an asset.
Despite the outrage, several football analysts and former players have come to Maeda’s defense, emphasizing that his impact extends beyond goal-scoring. His relentless work rate, pace, and pressing ability are key attributes that have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Japanese football analyst Takeshi Nakamura argued that Maeda’s contributions should not be judged solely on goal-scoring. “He is an important part of our system. His pressing disrupts the opposition’s defense, creating opportunities for others. Of course, he needs to improve his finishing, but dropping him entirely would be a mistake.”
A similar sentiment was echoed by former Japan international Keisuke Honda, who suggested that fans are being overly harsh. “Football is not just about scoring goals. Maeda brings energy, speed, and defensive pressure. If he can refine his finishing, he will be one of Japan’s most dangerous players.”
Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu was quick to address the criticism in his post-match press conference. When asked about Maeda’s performance, Moriyasu defended his selection, highlighting the forward’s importance to the squad.
“Yes, Daizen missed a big chance, but football is about more than just scoring. He was instrumental in our high press and created space for his teammates. He is a hardworking player who contributes in many ways. We believe in him, and he will continue to be a part of this team.”
While the coach’s words may reassure Maeda for now, the growing dissatisfaction among fans could put pressure on Moriyasu to consider other attacking options in future matches. Japan boasts several talented forwards, including Ayase Ueda, Takefusa Kubo, and Kaoru Mitoma, all of whom offer strong competition for a starting role.
Despite the backlash, Maeda is likely to feature in Japan’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. His ability to play multiple attacking roles and his defensive contributions make him a valuable tactical option for Moriyasu. However, if he continues to miss crucial chances, the calls for his exclusion may become impossible to ignore.
As Japan prepares for tougher opponents in the coming months, Maeda will need to prove that he can be relied upon in front of goal. For now, the debate rages on, and only time will tell whether the Celtic forward can silence his critics and cement his place in the national team.
