Daizen Maeda

He has it in his locker though. He was immense when back from the World Cup.

When he’s off it he’s really off it though.

 

I thought he was decent tbh. Tavernier got no joy out of him.

 

Watching the highlights there and the difference in work rate between Maeda and Haksa is night and day. Tavernier's usual game was nullified fairly effectively because Maeda doesn't give him a minute's peace.

It's a tricky one. By starting him you keep one of their biggest threats quieter, but sacrifice something in our attacking threat - because there's no two ways about it, his technical ability is rotten at times. He kills a lot of attacks by not weighting a pass correctly, or taking a heavy touch etc.

Personally I'd start him in games against the huns for now. We really miss his energy when he's not on the pitch.

 

Could play Jota left and Haksabanovic or Abada on the right, Barisic never really kicks a ball against us and Jota is never near Kent defending either or even Barisic.

I like Maeda against them though, we've won 5 of the 7 games hes played against them anyway only lost 1 as well which was in extra time and we were *.

 

He also played centre forward rather than on the wing in the Scottish Cup semi as Kyogo wasn’t fully fit and Giakoumakis was out with an injury.

Although I think it’s 5 of 8, as he played in the 3-0 (as a sub); 2-1 at Ibrox; 1-1 Celtic Park, Scottish cup semi extra time 2-1 defeat, then the three league games this year and the league cup final. He has started 6 of those and been a sub twice. Although you could counter argue the twice he was a sub we won 3-0 and 4-0.

 

He always works hard, tracks back and puts in a shift.

His contribution with helping the team is massive.

Technically he needs to work on that but he gets goals, and does what Ange asks too.

Very important player for us.

 

Excellent today, big reason we dominated the first 30 mins. Really pushed us on and some of his touches and control today a real improvement.

 

Was good today. Hopefully over that injury now

 

Was brilliant today really positive gave that Mayo a roasting. Hopefully kick on again for a good run of form.

 

Think his control of the ball has really improved recently, his pace and work rate is unreal.

 

By the end of the game I was hoping someone would put a meaty challenge on the condiment.

 

I really want him to be great, but he’s a brutal watch. Good team player, excellent work rate, brilliant recoveries etc etc.

His touch, close control, general link up play, and on the ball decision making are shocking. It also takes him 10 minutes to decide what to do even when he eventually makes the right decision, slowing everything right down.

There was one in the first half, he just had to slide McGregor in down the side, plays it short, move over, defence back in position. One instance out of plenty. Just * at the basics of the game.

Hard to say it as he’s a likeable player, but we are not progressing to the next level with him in the team.

 

Similar to Taylor, I'm not so sure he's 100% fit.

Bit of a concern in general with our squad, a lot of them seem to be running on Fumes, need to get the next 2 games won so we can properly rotate.

Easy to forget how good Maeda was before his injury, hasn't looked the same since.

 

Guy is absolutely pathetic again, even his press isn't happening the now. Needs benched pronto.

 

Him and Haksabanovic wound me up today..

All he has to do is no be greedy and head it back to Kyogo and we're home and hosed..

He's another who can't head a ball mind so maybe he did and his daft 50 pence head * it..

Was * on the ball for the majority again also..

 

Had a poor game. Offered nothing creatively.

 

Oaft, thought he was good, and has contributed well to our lead over the season. We're a tough crowd.


Running away with it, not the best today but it's difficult to win every game, * won't just roll over, not every one wants us to win.

Aff this thread til next weekend, game then Murphy's after.

 

if he had any kind of ball control he'd be sensational, unfortunately he has a touch like a * hammer.

 

Back to his usual self.

Runs about but * clueless with the ball.

Said it numerous times but he shouldn't be starting home games for us. When teams come and sit in and leave no space in behind he offers absolutely * all.
I know today we don't have other options but it's not like it's a new thing, we are about to lose a far better player and contributer due to the fact the manager seems to think a team who averages 80% possession most weeks needs a winger who's main attribute is defending

 

They must hate playing against this guy..

He's no perfect but * me he gives us everything and is such a threat. Shoulda had 2 assists..