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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Why Japan position change has made Celtic star Daizen Maeda 'most happy'

Celtic star Daizen Maeda insists he's happy with his new role in international football with Japan using him as a wing back.

Maeda has been in sensational form for the Hoops this season and has already scored seven goals this season in 11 games for club and country.

But he's been used deeper for his country than Cetic deploy him and the 26-year-old insists he's happy to help out defending too.

He said: "I personally think that when we play three defenders at the back as we are doing now, I am most happy as a wing back.

"I prefer being out wider than in the middle.


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"I think my strengths are my ability to push forward and drop back too, so I think that's where I'm at my best.

"And being able to play in many different positions will broaden my horizons as a player and as a team, so I want to play well in the position I'm asked to play.

"I enjoy pushing forward, but I want to help the team as much as possible and I am quite happy to drop back and defend when needed.

"I try to keep a good balance and I like to think I can recover quickly because of my pace.

"My aim is to continue to play for my national team for as long as possible and I am happy playing anywhere."

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