James Maddison, Daizen Maeda react to Kasper Schmeichel’s ‘incredible’ Celtic post
Tottenham star James Maddison and Daizen Maeda reacted to a message from Celtic’s shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel.
The Danish international joined the Hoops last summer and quickly established himself as a fine replacement for the recently retired Joe Hart.
The former Leicester man had featured in every single Hoops game, up until Schmeichel suffered an injury whilst on international duty.
Celtic had been interested in signing Martin Dubravka, but decided against a move due to their current number one’s performances prior to injury.
Following his injury, Viljami Sinisalo has deputised for Schmeichel, but the Finnish international has struggled at times as the Dane’s understudy.
Kasper Schmeichel sends message to Celtic fans
Having drawn 1-1 with Rangers on Sunday (4 May) in a tense affair rife with fan trouble, Schmeichel and his teammates got together for Celtic’s Player of the Year awards.
The ex-Man City man was nominated for the Player of the Year award, which was ultimately awarded to his teammate Maeda.
Schmeichel posted three photos from the night on Instagram, captioned: “Incredible night at the player of the year awards, celebrating an already incredible season. Now we turn our attention to the remaining games to make sure we finish the season strong.
“Honoured to be nominated, but there could only ever be one winner Daizen Maeda what an incredible season”.
The Japanese striker responded with a sweet message that read: “My daughter loves you!” Whilst the 38-year-old’s former Leicester teammate Maddison like the post.
Daizen Maeda a deserving winner of Celtic Player of the Year
Football Insider Verdict
When Kyogo Furuhashi joined Rennes in January, there were major concerns over how Brendan Rodgers would replace his free-scoring striker.
However, those concerns were swiftly put to bed by Maeda, who has transitioned from left-wing to striker with ease.
Having scored 10 times last season, the Japanese international is now on 33 goals in all competitions.
| 2024/25 Premiership stats | Maeda |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Minutes | 2,396 |
What’s more, the move into the middle of the park has also allowed Jota to seamlessly adapt to life back at Parkhead, filling the vacancy on the left.
Celtic may still look for a new striker in the summer in a bid to fight off a renewed Rangers side, but they will almost certainly be forced to be nothing but an understudy to Maeda, given his form.