Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he doubts “there’s anyone better in world football” at pressing defenders than Daizen Maeda.
The 26-year-old Japan forward was picked out for praise on Champions League Match of the Day by former team-mate Joe Hart for “setting the tone” during Wednesday’s 5-1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava.
And Rodgers knows his front players deserve a slice of credit for the concession of only two goals in seven matches – all victories – this season.
“That’s where the game starts,” he said. “I’ve seen reports in terms of the team doing very well, keeping clean sheets and the goalkeeper and the back four.
“It starts at the front. And I would doubt there’s anyone better in world football than Daizen Maeda in that context.”
Rodgers highlighted a clip from BBC Sport’s Champions League highlights programme including a Maeda challenge that thwarted a Slovan counter-attack.
The Japan attacker tracked the right-back before the play was switched to one of the visitors’ centre-backs, then he pressed him and won the ball.
“It’s the will and desire to do it, which most players won’t have,” the manager added.
“He could have easily dropped that press. He didn’t have to do that one. He actually got to the centre-half before the guy that should have got there.
“It’s incredible – it’s unbelievable pressing. But that’s mentality.”