Daizen Maeda
IPS
LW
Half-Space Orchestrator
Oct 20, 1997 (28)
Right
5'8"
148 lb
IpswichOne shot in defeat
Maeda recorded one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 2-0 loss against Liverpool.
Analysis: Maeda took a single shot during Friday's loss, putting it on target, but not particularly threatening Alisson's net. The forward was a threat during the match but didn't really get too many chances on the ball. Maeda will have to be extremely efficient with his chances that are likely to be few and far between.
First shot on target in PL
Maeda generated one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 5-2 defeat against Manchester United.
Analysis: Maeda made his first away trip in the Premier League as he travelled to play at Old Trafford. He took one shot in the game and got it on target to get his first shot on target in the Premier League. He also won his only tackle and made three clearances.
Single shot Saturday
Maeda recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.
Analysis: Maeda took a single shot and sent in a pair of crosses during Saturday's win. His end product was generally wasteful neither his shot nor crosses were accurate, but he still had passable volume. It's going to be hard for Ipswich to get much of the ball throughout the season, so Maeda will need to be efficient in the chances that fall his way.
Joins Ipswich Town
Maeda signed a contract with Ipswich Town through the summer of 2029, joining from Celtic and becoming the first Japanese player in the club's history, according to the club. "He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes." Manager Gary O'Neil said.
Analysis: Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances for Celtic, helping the club win five league titles and five cup competitions, including a 33 goal campaign in 2024/25 that earned him the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year award. The 28 year old forward has scored five goals in 30 appearances for Japan, including at this summer's World Cup, and previously starred in the J.League, winning the Golden Boot with 23 goals in 2021 before his move to Scotland. He becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer as Ipswich prepares for the new 2026/27 Premier League season.
Minimal impact vs. Brazil
Maeda registered one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 2-1 loss against Brazil.
Analysis: Maeda had some interesting displays throughout the World Cup, such as his goal against Sweden, but he was unable to make a big impact this time around. Maeda started in three of Japan's four WC matches, tallying one goal, two shots, two chances created, six tackles, nine clearances and two interceptions.
Finds back of net
Maeda scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Sweden.
Analysis: Maeda was the hero for Japan as they looked to have at first won the match before a Swedish equalizer, as the forward found the back of the net in the draw. This is his first goal of the tournament, a huge boost for the forward after no shots in their opener and going unused in their second contest. After a decent showing against Sweden, a starting role is likely in the knockouts.
Three clearances made
Maeda had two crosses (zero accurate) and three clearances in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Netherlands.
Analysis: Maeda lasted just 66 minutes for Japan on Sunday before being replaced by Junya Ito, finishing with three clearances and an 80 percent pass accuracy. However, he struggled to make an impact in the final third, completing only one forward pass into that area and recording just three touches in the opposition box. Expectations remain high for the midfielder after a standout season with Celtic, where he produced 17 goals and 10 assists across 54 appearances. It's only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm, as he remains one of Japan's key contributors after appearing three times and scoring once during the 2022 World Cup.
Option in rotation
Maeda has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to provide a relentless and energetic attacking option as a rotation player throughout the competition.
Analysis: Maeda contributed 17 goals and 10 assists for Celtic this season in 54 appearances across all competitions in what was another consistent campaign for the Japanese forward in Scottish football, where he has established himself as one of the most tireless and effective wide forwards in the league since joining the club. The striker brings exceptional pressing intensity, intelligent off-the-ball movement and a willingness to work hard in both directions that makes him a perfect fit for manager Moriyasu's high-pressing system, and his ability to operate across the front line gives the coach valuable tactical flexibility. Maeda heads into the World Cup as one of the most trusted and dependable options in Japan's attacking rotation and a player who can change the tempo of a game from the bench or from the start.
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