‘Not really what you want’: Jenas criticises Celtic man on Monday, during commentary

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Jermaine Jenas gave his verdict on Celtic striker Daizen Maeda on Monday during BBC commentary as Croatia limped past Japan in the last 16 of the World Cup – saying he lacks the presence of a striker you want in the penalty area.

Maeda, 25, scored his first goal since arriving in Qatar and only his second-ever goal for Japan. Handing his side the lead, Japan looked good. But an Ivan Perisic header out of nowhere saw the game go into extra-time – and penalties.

It was Croatia who progressed into the quarter-finals, with Japan missing three of their four spot-kicks. Maeda lasted until shortly after the hour mark, starting three of Japan’s four World Cup games. His work rate did not go unnoticed.

But at times, Maeda failed to get on the end of crosses and lacked the movement of a traditional no.9. It meant that when Japan got into a crossing area, Maeda was largely ineffective. His ability to finish has been lacking at Celtic, too.

Ange Postecoglou has been vocal regarding Maeda’s ability to turn chances into goals. While he works his socks off and gets into good positions, he lacks the goal return he will have hoped for. Jenas was in agreement in his verdict.

“You can see why Maeda is in the team. He drops back in well, works really hard. But what is it at the expense of? He’s not really what you want to see in the box, you want that presence – somebody there to score the goals.

“But there’s no doubt he works his socks off. Strikers are selfish. They have to be. Their job is to score goals, not to run around and be doing midfielders jobs. I want my striker up there to be hitting the ball in the back of the net.”

Jenas: Celtic striker Maeda lacks presence in the penalty area

He has been poor at the World Cup, despite his goal on Monday. Maeda has failed to get on the end of crosses and convert chances, with Japan lacking a no.9 to score the goals their play deserves. Just four goals for Celtic this season.

Of course, Maeda was picked over Kyogo Furuhashi – with Maeda’s Celtic teammate not included in the squad. A surprise to many in Glasgow, given the form of Kyogo compared to Maeda. He needs a run of form, and goals.