This time last season, Daizen Maeda was gearing up to go goal crazy in Celtic colours and steer the club to a double under Brendan Rodgers.
It would eventually lead to Maeda clinching Scotland’s PFA Player of the Year, but it’s fair to say that he is far from that form this season, and won’t even receive a mention.
But he isn’t the only one in that situation because Reo Hatate is also struggling, alongside his fellow countryman, at Celtic this term.
Despite Celtic producing late, late comebacks during the past week, the duo from Japan aren’t being viewed in a positive light.
Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda criticized for their Celtic displays
It has been widely reported that Maeda wanted to leave in the summer, but he never got his wish, and he has been playing like that this season.
Many believe Hatate also wanted to move on, although he hasn’t spoken publicly about it.
Either way, Frank McAvennie isn’t pleased with what he is witnessing and has suggested that their focus is elsewhere.
Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank Podcast, McAvennie, following the win over Kilmarnock, didn’t hold back in how he felt about the pair.
Simon Houston: “Hatate, do you think that is it? Do you think Hatate’s story is over?”
Frank McAvennie: “I think he is a wonderful player. But I think him and Maeda have lost interest in Celtic. It looks like it. It looks to me.
“I am thinking ‘two great servants and players for Celtic.’ You don’t become that bad after being that good.”
Houston: “Maeda used to always be like worth two players, because of his intensity, speed and press. It looks as though his head is elsewhere.
Hatate and Maeda statistics for Celtic against Kilmarnock
When Celtic were 2-0 down at the break, Martin O’Neill had seen enough, and he substituted three players, including Hatate.
It wasn’t a surprise, and he had no complaints, because he couldn’t retain the ball, and wasn’t contributing much without it either.
Maeda would follow shortly after, being taken off after the hour mark, as Celtic would complete the comeback without the Ange Postecoglou signings.
Hatate’s minutes against Kilmarnock: 45
Shots: 1
Passes: 25
Passing accuracy: 84%
Key Passes: 1
Dispossessed: 1
Touches: 29
WhoScored rating: 5.95
Maeda’s minutes against Kilmarnock: 62
Shots: 3
Passes: 24
Passing accuracy: 83.3%
Touches: 44
Unsuccessful touches: 3
Fouls: 1
Dribbles: 2
WhoScored rating: 6.92