Martin O’Neill may have to accept a tough reality the ongoing issues surrounding Daizen Maeda aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
Maeda’s recent form has been a major concern. With just eight goals and eight assists across 47 appearances this season, his overall output has been underwhelming, and a closer look at the numbers highlights just how far he’s dropped off.
Toward the end of last campaign, he delivered when it mattered most, scoring five goals in the final five matches before the split and playing a key role in Celtic’s title push. Fast forward to this season, and the contrast is stark no goals, no assists in the same run of games. His last goal came back in January during a comfortable 4-0 win over Dundee United, and since then, he’s struggled to make any real impact.
It hasn’t been a smooth season for the winger. Missing out on a summer transfer appears to have taken its toll, and his performances suggest a player short on confidence and rhythm. Where he was once a dependable figure for the Hoops, he now looks far from the player fans had come to rely on.
At this stage, there’s a growing feeling that his time in Glasgow may be nearing its end.
Time for a Change?
Despite his struggles, Maeda continues to get minutes on the pitch. Some fans have called for alternatives, with Sebastian Tounekti mentioned as a possible option on the left, yet O’Neill has largely stuck by the Japanese international.
There are still reasons managers persist with him. On his day, Maeda brings relentless energy, pressing defenders and covering ground at an elite level. The issue is consistency that intensity now comes in flashes rather than as a constant threat, and too often he fades into the background during games.
Of course, he’s not solely to blame. The overall attacking unit has lacked sharpness, and the absence of a reliable striker hasn’t helped. At times, Celtic’s forward play has looked disjointed, leaving players like Maeda isolated and ineffective.
Still, expectations remain. Regardless of transfer speculation or uncertainty about his future, he’s a Celtic player and is expected to perform accordingly.
With the season approaching its climax, there’s still hope he can rediscover something close to his best form. If he can produce a moment or two of quality before the campaign ends, it would go a long way in reminding supporters of the player he once was and perhaps offer a fitting final chapter if this really is the end of his time in Glasgow.