Alistair Johnston has singled out one Celtic teammate he believes could be the driving force behind their title push—and it’s not the usual names like Benjamin Nygren or Callum McGregor grabbing the spotlight.
Speaking after Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Falkirk, Johnston pointed straight to Daizen Maeda as the man who can make the difference in the crucial final stretch. The forward delivered once again with two goals, underlining just how vital he’s becoming at this stage of the campaign.
The match itself wasn’t entirely straightforward. Celtic started brightly and looked in control, but their grip loosened after the interval, allowing Falkirk a way back into the contest. Just as the game threatened to become uncomfortable, Maeda stepped up and shifted momentum back in Celtic’s favour.
His first goal captured his relentless style perfectly—chasing down what looked like a lost cause, forcing an error, and then calmly finishing from distance. His second came at a key moment too, arriving inside the box to meet a low delivery and effectively seal the result.
That kind of impact goes beyond just goals. Maeda’s pressing energises the entire side, pushing Celtic higher up the pitch and forcing opponents into mistakes. It’s a style that creates opportunities out of nothing and keeps defenders constantly on edge.
Johnston, who made his return from injury off the bench, had a clear view of the influence Maeda brings—even from a different perspective this time around.
He explained that goals are everything at this point in the season and made it clear the team looks to Maeda as their main attacking spark. If the Japanese forward can maintain this form through the final weeks, Johnston believes Celtic are in a strong position to finish the job.
Maeda’s importance to the system is obvious. He leads the press, sets the intensity, and provides a crucial outlet when breaking down stubborn defences.
A tougher challenge now awaits at Easter Road, where Hibernian are unlikely to sit back. They’ll look to take the game to Celtic, meaning discipline and sharpness—both on and off the ball—will be essential.
Johnston’s return should help bring more balance, particularly on the right side, adding stability when dealing with quick counterattacks.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Maeda. He’s hitting form at exactly the right moment, and if he keeps delivering at this level, Celtic’s title ambitions look increasingly within reach.
