Daizen Maeda rounded off an eventful week by celebrating with the Celtic away support at Fir Park.
Seven days earlier he had been in the middle of World Cup ties with Japan while his club boss dug deep into his squad to keep up the challenge for the SPFL title.
Straight after a 25 minute appearance for Japan as a substitute against Saudi Arabia Maeda was up in the air, making the journey from Tokyo to Glasgow to present himself for duty in the Glasgow derby.
What a win ?? pic.twitter.com/6vfFVxcFIK
— ?? ?? Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) February 6, 2022
A similar length of appearance as Celtic ovar-ran their city rivals gave the striker a taste of what is as stake in Scotland before a more conventional trip to Motherwell with the league leaders.
Maeda started off on the left as Giorgos Giakoumakis did battle with Motherwell’s central defenders, just after the hour mark the former Yokohama Marinos striker switched into a central role and celebrated with a goal within 10 minutes.
There is little time for Maeda to settle into Glasgow, tomorrow he’ll be on the road to a hotel in Aberdeen as Ange Postecoglou’s side prepare for another away day challenge at Pittodrie.
Was absolutely delighted to see Maeda getting in on the action. The guy was in the perfect position in each goal for a pass, and also for some that didn’t get scored. Was fantastic to get his name on the scoresheet and show that all his running, effort & concentration wasn’t for nothing.
The amount of ground this guy covers is very understated. Regardless if he’s playing up front or on the wing, he’ll chase everything that comes his way and will sprint back to his own box to defend when needed.
The same “We are one together” attitude is engraved in this teams ethos and this comes through like they’re all best friends and been playing together for years.
Absolute joy to watch and only saddens me when you think there’s only 13 league games left.
HAIL HAIL
KEEP THE FAITH??