Celtic‘s League Cup semi-final conquer Kilmarnock noticed in-form speedster Daizen Maeda as soon as once more get himself on the scoresheet, with the Japanese worldwide persevering with his rampant sizzling streak since coming back from World Cup obligation.
The 25-year-old had gone into Saturday’s assembly after having offered a purpose contribution in every of his final three Scottish Premiership video games, notably netting in wonderful vogue within the Old Firm derby draw away at Ibrox.
The diminutive gem’s newest purpose was an illustration that the whole lot is solely going his means at current, with the ball having nearly comically deflected off the 12-cap menace following an tried clearance by former Rangers man, Kyle Lafferty.
That considerably lucky strike has ensured that Maeda now has 15 targets and ten assists to his identify in simply 50 appearances for the Old Firm outfit, having confirmed a very astute seize for supervisor Ange Postecoglou since his arrival on an preliminary loan deal a yr in the past.
That transfer to Glasgow had come as a part of a triple swoop alongside Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate, with the Hoops boss having utilised his J-League connections so as to support within the membership’s push for the title.
Postecoglou might now look to repeat that Maeda masterclass by bringing in one other ahead from Japan within the winter window, with latest reports having claimed that Shimizu S Pulse striker Thiago Santana is a potential goal for the Scottish champions.
Should Celtic signal Thiago Santana this month?
No
Yes!
A brand new centre-forward is seemingly on the agenda for the Bhoys amid the uncertainty surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis, with the Parkhead outfit probably eager to make sure that their attacking choices aren’t depleted for the second half of the marketing campaign.
Although one thing of an unknown amount to most in Glasgow, Santana – whose present deal is about to run out in December – might properly observe Maeda et al in changing into a number one presence for Postecoglou’s aspect, having been in medical type of late.
The 29-year-old purpose machine notably netted 14 targets and offered six assists within the league throughout the latest marketing campaign, together with his total tally for the membership now standing at 30 targets and 9 assists in 72 video games throughout all fronts.
The proven fact that that report is even higher than what Maeda had achieved throughout his time at former membership Yokohama F.Marinos – 26 targets and 5 assists in 70 video games – bodes properly for the impression that Santana might make in Scottish soccer, whereas the Brazilian additionally gives the advantage of having flourished in European soccer beforehand, after netting 35 targets in 97 video games for Portuguese aspect Santa Clara.
Should Postecoglou safe a transfer for the latter man this month, the skilled marksman might properly go on assist strengthen Celtic’s lead on the summit, with the signing of Maeda 12 months in the past having illustrated the advantage of sealing a mid-season switch.