Ipswich Town summer signing Daizen Maeda has delivered a candid confession regarding the brutal step up in quality between the Scottish Premiership and the English Premier League, admitting the razor-thin margin for error in front of goal is “on a completely different level” to what he experienced at Celtic.
The 29-year-old Japanese international arrived at Portman Road in a high-profile £8.5 million transfer over the summer after dominating north of the border—where he plundered an impressive 50 goals across 149 Scottish Premiership appearances over five trophy-laden seasons in Glasgow.
However, adjusting to life in the English top flight with a newly promoted side has proven a stern test.
Speaking to Japanese outlet Gekisaka while away on international duty ahead of Japan’s clash with Brazil, Maeda opened up on the immense psychological pressure of making every single half-chance count.
”Either I Scored It or I Didn’t”: Inside Maeda’s Manchester City Breakthrough
Maeda finally broke his Ipswich Town duck during the Blues’ agonizing 3-2 defeat against reigning giants Manchester City—a moment he describes as a massive mental weight lifted off his shoulders:
“I always thought that a chance would come someday, and I felt like that chance had finally arrived. No matter who the opponent is, it’s the Premier League, so I wanted to score a goal, but I also believed that if I kept working steadily, a chance would definitely come, so I’m glad that I was able to score in a match that was attracting attention.
“The chances are on a completely different level compared to when I was at Celtic. In that match, there really was only one shot. It was either I scored it or I didn’t. Especially as a newly promoted team, I knew I had to score, so I’m glad I was able to score it on the first try. I really feel how important it is to score one goal when you’re in the Premier League.”
Unlike his dominant spells with Celtic—where dominant possession regularly generated half a dozen clear-cut scoring opportunities per match—Maeda’s clinical finish at the Etihad Stadium proved how unforgiving life at the bottom end of the Premier League truly is.
”Wing-Back Duties”: Why Gary O’Neil Trusts Maeda’s Relentless Versatility
Despite finding goals harder to come by, Maeda has quickly become an indispensable tactical Swiss Army knife for Ipswich head coach Gary O’Neil:
- Multi-Positional Deployment: Primarily a natural left winger during his time in Scotland, Maeda has been regularly deployed on the right flank and even forced to drop deep as an emergency defensive wing-back when Ipswich are pinned back under heavy pressure.
- Zero Complaints: Rather than expressing frustration over his sacrifices in the final third, Maeda emphasized that his tireless pressing and positional flexibility are his greatest weapons in helping Ipswich survive.
- Proactive Mentality: Maeda praised O’Neil’s refusal to park the bus, noting that Ipswich’s aggressive, front-foot approach gives him the confidence to carry that same fearless attitude onto the international stage against Brazil.
Crucial Winter Run-In Awaits at Portman Road
Sitting 14th in the Premier League table on 11 points after 10 games, Ipswich Town will rely heavily on Maeda’s blistering pace and clinical edge once the November international break concludes.
Having finally tasted blood against Manchester City, the Japanese speedster now knows exactly what it takes to punish top-flight defenses—and if he continues converting his limited chances, he could fire Gary O’Neil’s side to Premier League safety.
