Roy Keane Names Daizen Maeda as Celtic’s Key to Success, Drawing Parallels with Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung
In a recent interview, football legend Roy Keane, renowned for his uncompromising leadership at Manchester United and his brief but impactful stint at Celtic, has singled out Celtic’s Japanese forward Daizen Maeda as the player who embodies the qualities of his former Manchester United teammate Park Ji-Sung. Keane believes Maeda’s relentless work rate, versatility, and team-first mentality make him the linchpin for Celtic’s continued success in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.
Keane, who captained Manchester United to seven Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his illustrious 12-year spell at Old Trafford, is not one to dish out praise lightly. His comparison of Maeda to Park, a cult hero at United, speaks volumes about the Celtic star’s impact. Park Ji-Sung, known for his tireless energy, tactical intelligence, and ability to deliver in big moments, was a vital cog in Sir Alex Ferguson’s United machine. Keane sees similar attributes in Maeda, who has become a cornerstone of Celtic’s attacking setup under manager Brendan Rodgers.
“Daizen Maeda reminds me of Park at United,” Keane said on a recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast. “He’s not the flashiest, but he’s got that engine, that selflessness. He runs himself into the ground for the team, and that’s what wins you titles. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone else better, and I think he’s the key to Celtic staying on top.”
Since joining Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, initially on loan before making the move permanent, Maeda has established himself as a fan favorite at Parkhead. His relentless pressing, blistering pace, and knack for popping up with crucial goals have made him indispensable. In the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Maeda has already contributed significantly, with his ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates like Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley proving vital.
Maeda’s work rate off the ball is particularly noteworthy. Much like Park, who was often tasked with neutralizing opposition playmakers while contributing to United’s attack, Maeda’s high-intensity pressing disrupts opponents and sets the tone for Celtic’s high-octane style. His goal in the 3-3 draw against Rangers at Ibrox in April 2024, which Keane referenced in his analysis, showcased his ability to seize critical moments, giving Celtic an early lead in a pulsating Old Firm derby.
Park Ji-Sung’s time at Manchester United (2005-2012) saw him win four Premier League titles and a Champions League, often earning praise for his big-game performances. Whether it was man-marking Andrea Pirlo out of a Champions League tie or scoring against rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea, Park’s understated brilliance was a hallmark of United’s dominance. Keane, who played alongside Park briefly before retiring in 2006, admired the South Korean’s discipline and humility.
“Park was the ultimate team player,” Keane recalled. “He’d do the dirty work, cover every blade of grass, and still pop up with a goal or a big tackle. You don’t win Champions Leagues without players like that. Maeda’s got that same vibe—always working, always thinking about the team.”
Keane’s belief in Maeda as the key to Celtic’s success stems from the Japanese star’s ability to elevate the team’s performance in high-stakes matches. Celtic’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title in 2024-25 faces stiff competition from a resurgent Rangers side under Philippe Clement. Additionally, Celtic’s ambitions in European competitions, particularly the UEFA Champions League, require players who can deliver under pressure.
Maeda’s versatility—he can play across the front line or as a winger—gives Rodgers tactical flexibility. His defensive contributions, often overlooked, are crucial in maintaining Celtic’s high-pressing system, which has overwhelmed domestic opponents. In Europe, where Celtic have historically struggled, Maeda’s pace and work rate could be the difference in tight matches against technically superior sides.
“Celtic need players who can run all day and fight for every ball,” Keane noted. “Maeda does that, and he’s got a bit of quality…
