Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confident that 'incredible' Daizen Maeda will get back to his 'sensational' best

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has every confidence that last year’s Player of the Year, Daizen Maeda, will get back to his best after a tough start to the season.

The Japan forward was in sensational form in the second half of the 24/25 campaign, scoring 33 goals in all competitions as he helped the Hoops cruise to the league title and reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

However, he has struggled to reach the same levels in the early stages of this season and revealed last month that he had his heart set on a move away in the summer, but the club blocked any transfer.

He was hooked at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade midweek, with his replacement Kelechi Iheanacho scoring Celtic’s goal.

Rodgers is in no doubt that being denied a move away is playing a part in his loss of form, but is certain that the Hoops will see his best version again over the coming weeks.

Speaking to the media on Friday as Celtic prepare to host Hibs at Parkhead this weekend, Rodgers said: “It’s all part of the management process, because you can’t underestimate how hard it has been for him.

“This is a guy who has given absolutely everything for this football club, and even sometimes, when you want to give your best, there can be a subconscious thing that can hold you back a little bit.

“But what’s important, and I say the same to any player in this situation, is that you don’t get caught up in the mentality that it’s not fair.

“Because, when you get caught in that, it’s a very dangerous territory, and it’s hard to move on from. So, you have to really look forward and do it for your teammates, do it for your family, do it for the supporters, and then eventually you get the confidence back and get back to your normal self.

“Daizen has been an incredible player for this club, and I’m pretty sure that over the coming weeks he will get back to the form that he has shown.

“I can only talk for my couple of years here, he has been absolutely sensational, so he will get back to that.

“But it is always a challenge, it’s not a light bulb that you can just switch to flick on and off, this game is about emotions as well, and it can be challenging for players.

“You are always going to have dips as a player, even if you are committed to being here for the next four or five years, for example, then you can still have dips in your form.

“I think with Daizen, that will always be obvious just because of his level of work and the intensity that he plays with.

“But I am very confident that he will get back to that level, because he is a great person who leaves everything out on the field, he’s had a little issue around his ankle as well, which hasn’t helped, and he will continue to give absolutely everything.”