Celtic’s commanding 3-0 victory over St. Mirren may have pleased most supporters, but it did little to shield Celtic star from sharp criticism by former Hoops striker and pundit Chris Sutton. In a scathing assessment, Sutton described his performance as “poor,” going as far as to suggest that the Japanese winger resembled a League Two player with his lack of composure and decision-making during the match.
A Dominant Team Performance Marred by Individual Criticism
Celtic secured the win comfortably, with goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate ensuring three points and maintaining their lead in the Scottish Premiership. However, Maeda’s lackluster display stood out to Sutton, who was unimpressed with the forward’s overall contribution despite his typically tireless work ethic.
Speaking on a post-match analysis show, Sutton did not hold back:
“Celtic played well, no doubt about that, but Maeda was poor. His touch was off, his decision-making was frustrating, and there were moments where he looked more like a League Two player than someone playing at the top level. Hard work alone isn’t enough.”
Missed Opportunities and Frustrating Moments
Maeda’s pace and pressing are often praised as key components of Celtic’s high-tempo attacking style, but against St. Mirren, his end product was once again under scrutiny. Several promising attacks broke down due to his heavy touches and misplaced passes. In the first half, Maeda squandered a golden opportunity when he miscontrolled a cross from Greg Taylor inside the box, drawing groans from the home crowd.
•Key Moments of Criticism:
•Missed Control (28th minute): A perfect delivery from Taylor found Maeda in space, but his first touch let him down, allowing the defense to clear.
•Poor Decision (65th minute): Opting to shoot from a tight angle instead of squaring the ball to Furuhashi in the middle frustrated both teammates and fans.
Fan Reactions Divided
Celtic fans have long been divided over Maeda. While his relentless pressing and defensive contributions are highly valued, his technical inconsistencies often raise doubts about his suitability for key attacking roles. Following Sutton’s comments, social media buzzed with a mixture of agreement and pushback.
One fan posted:
“Sutton’s harsh, but he’s not wrong. Maeda’s touch and finishing just aren’t good enough for where we want to be.”
Another countered:
“Maeda brings so much energy and defensive work. He’s not the most skillful, but he’s vital for the way we play.”
Postecoglou’s Loyalty and Future Considerations
Ange Postecoglou, who signed Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos, has consistently defended his player, praising his relentless attitude and tactical intelligence. When asked about Maeda’s performance, Postecoglou avoided direct criticism, saying:
“Daizen works incredibly hard for the team. Not every player will get everything right every time, but he brings a lot of value in other areas.”
However, with Celtic looking to maintain domestic dominance and make strides in European competition, questions about whether Maeda’s technical limitations will hinder progress remain relevant.
Sutton’s History of Brutal Honesty
Chris Sutton’s forthright opinions have made him one of the most talked-about pundits in Scottish football. Known for his no-nonsense assessments, Sutton’s comments are often polarizing but always rooted in his deep understanding of the game. His comparison of Maeda to a lower-league player may be exaggerated for effect, but it reflects a common criticism among analysts regarding Maeda’s inconsistency in attacking situations.
Conclusion
While Celtic’s comprehensive win against St. Mirren showcased the team’s overall quality, Daizen Maeda’s performance once again highlighted the debate over his role in the side. Chris Sutton’s cutting remarks will no doubt fuel further discussions among fans and pundits alike. Whether Maeda can refine his game to match his work rate remains to be seen, but for now, the scrutiny surrounding his performances shows no signs of letting up.
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