Stiliyan Petrov, the Celtic legend and former Bulgarian international, has delivered high praise for Daizen Maeda, calling the forward’s attributes “one of the best” he has witnessed in football. Speaking on Maeda’s relentless work rate and pressing ability, Petrov emphasized how rare it is to see such dedication in a player and how crucial Maeda’s qualities are to Celtic’s overall style of play.

Petrov, who has played alongside and against many elite footballers throughout his career, was particularly impressed by Maeda’s ability to apply constant pressure on opponents. “His pressing game is extraordinary,” Petrov said. “He doesn’t stop running, chasing, and harrying defenders, and it’s not just about effort — his timing, decision-making, and intelligence in pressing are all top-class. It’s one of the best pressing abilities I’ve seen in modern football.”

Petrov also pointed out how valuable Maeda is to Celtic’s system under Brendan Rodgers, explaining that his tireless work not only disrupts opponents but also creates space and opportunities for his teammates. “When you’ve got a player like Maeda who’s willing to do the dirty work, it lifts the entire team. His energy is infectious, and he gives Celtic a real edge in every game.”

In a modern game that demands high-intensity pressing and tactical discipline, Maeda’s contributions have been nothing short of exceptional. Petrov’s endorsement only underscores how pivotal the Japanese international has become for Celtic, as he continues to be a driving force behind their success.