Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are currently enjoying the international break with their Japan teammates.
The Celtic duo didn’t feature vs Bahrain but ultimately didn’t have to as Samurai Blue became the first nation to qualify for the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over their opponents.
It was an unusual move from head coach Hajime Moriyasu, though, not to involve Maeda in particular whose Celtic form has earned him a Parkhead player of the year shout already.
But with the manager’s history with ex-Hoops man Kyogo, nothing the 56-year-old does can surprise us anymore. Still, if Moriyasu does not see the talent in front of his face from Celtic’s two stars, the Japanese media certainly does.
What Japanese media have said about Celtic stars Maeda and Reo
Former Soccer Digest editor Mutsukawa Toru named the pair among the country’s “greatest strength” when he discussed with Nikkan Sports about the best position within the national team.
And while Maeda has played through the middle for Celtic this season, Toru still considers him a wide player and credited Hatate’s versatility as a player who can play there, too.
He said: “Japan’s greatest strength is their extensive lineup of side attackers.
“In addition to left-wing midfielder Kaoru Mitoma (27) and right-wing midfielder Ritsu Doan (26), who started in the Bahrain match, Nakamura Keito (24), Ito Junya (32), Maeda Daizen (27), Hatate Reo (27), and Kubo and Minamino Takumi (30), who started as shadow players on the day, can also play side attackers.
Toru specifically addressed all the top talent in the Japan squad – including Celtic’s stars – as he explained how their time playing Champions League football has helped them immensely.
Maeda and Hatate have improved thanks to Champions League
Playing at the top level as well as fighting for titles and trophies, Toru says, can only improve the country as a whole.
“They are regularly trained in European leagues and have further increased their experience through the European Champions League and Europa League.
“A condition for Japan to make it into the top eight will be for their side attackers, who are the lifeblood of their offense, to fully demonstrate their abilities.
