Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda is the engine of Japan's attack — a relentless, high-energy forward who has been one of Celtic's most important players since joining in 2021, winning multiple Scottish Premiership titles and consistently delivering goals and assists. His pressing intensity and willingness to run in behind make him a nightmare for defenders to manage over 90 minutes. For Japan, Maeda is the embodiment of their collective, high-press identity — always working, always threatening. He is not a finesse player but a functional, effective one, and his record at Celtic demonstrates he can produce in big European nights as well as domestic dominance.