Daizen Maeda: Japanese media react as Celtic forward 'unleashed' vs Sweden
Daizen Maeda opened his account at the 2026 World Cup as the Celtic forward scored against Sweden on Friday.
The 28-year-old broke the deadlock between the Samurai Blue and Graham Potter's team in Dallas Stadium on 26 June in the 56th minute.
Anthony Elanga subsequently equalised for the Blue and Yellow at around the hour mark, with points being shared between the two teams.
The media in Japan acknowledged Maeda's contribution to the national team's success in the 1-1 draw with Sweden, as he scored in his second consecutive World Cup.
Hajime Moriyasu's team have now qualified for the last 32 of the tournament, finishing second on five points as the Netherlands top Group F.
The Samurai Blue now have a tough test to progress further in the tournament as they face Brazil in the next round at Houston Stadium on 29 June.
Daizen Maeda shines for Japan in draw vs Sweden
Maeda was arguably the best player on the pitch for Japan, scoring the sort of goal Celtic fans have become used to after running in behind Sweden's defence and beating the goalkeeper with ease.
Soccer Digest Web gave the forward the joint-highest rating of 7/10, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and midfielder Ao Tanaka also receiving the same.
For being the Samurai Blue's catalyst, footballchannel.jp also handed the 28-year-old a 7/10, which was the second-highest among the squad.
Maeda was once again the joint-highest-rated among the Japanese contingent with a 7/10, as Sports Bull wrote, "Unleashed his goalscoring instincts when deployed as a shadow striker."
Celtic must make Daizen Maeda transfer U-turn
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared in May that Celtic were open to Maeda's sale, with clubs in the Premier League interested in him.
This summer may be the final chance the Hoops will have of cashing in on the Japan international, with his contract expiring in 2027, but they should prioritise his extension at Parkhead.
Maeda was influential post-split as Martin O'Neill's team lifted the William Hill Premiership title against all odds and there's still plenty the attacker can contribute to in the east end of Glasgow.