Yang could be doing with a goal or even an assist at Dens Park

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The Celtic Star

·14 January 2025

Yang could be doing with a goal or even an assist at Dens Park

Yang could really be doing with a goal or even an assist at Dens Park tonight…

Arne Engels celebrates.Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

As we head to Tayside to take on the Dark Blues, Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday at his press conference that Daizen Maeda will be given more time to recover from what has been an almighty schedule for the Japan star this season.

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Maeda is essential

Maeda is essential – and has been I might add – to the way that Celtic have played for years now. Beginning under Ange Postecoglou when he brought him from his homeland in the January transfer window of 2022, he has been arguably the most consistent performer for the club these past several years now. It’s a testament to his character the way in which he leads by example and starts the defence from attack during matches.

Yang Hyun-Jun and Vicko Sevelj during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park, on 8th January 2025. (Photo Mark Runnacles)

He definitely sets the tempo for the team and you can sense the fear in opposition fullbacks when he’s on the prowl and chasing down the ball or even lost causes. His goal at Ibrox last April straight from kick-off near enough was a masterclass in how to press and close down the opponent and force them into a mistake. It was that goal that ensured we came away from Govan with something that day and on course to secure Three-in-a-row.

His work ethic can’t be denied

His work ethic can’t be denied but neither can Yang’s, which the manager has recognised this week in the build-up to our clash with Tony Docherty’s men. Speaking yesterday, Brendan Rodgers said of the South Korean: “Yeah, I think it is a challenge for Yang in terms of the guys in front of him who are doing so well. So he’s had limited game time.

“What we see in him every day is that he works so hard at his game. Sometimes, especially when you’re an attacking player, when you don’t play so much, there’s always a chance that you come in and you try to force things. But for me, he gives his all.

Yang at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Yang needs to be more efficient

“He gives everything. Yes, he needs to be more efficient. You know, attacking players have to be able to create goals and score goals as well as do that pressing function that we want. He gives absolutely everything. He was unlucky. He had a great bit of skill. That nearly made him a goal, but the keeper made a good save. He makes a great run. You see his desire to get into the position that leads to the penalty. So in terms of effort, he gives absolutely everything. He did well at the weekend.”

The boss confirmed that despite all the early setbacks the winger’s mentality and character, alongside his undoubted work rate, means he hasn’t been completely written off yet. “That’s just time and patience,” he said. “To get anywhere as a player you need that mentality also. We’ve always worked and given our best to all the players. It’s about talent and how that accelerates going forward.

He’s speaking English now

“He’s a young guy who’s adapted so well to come on over from Korea and speaking English now, translating with the players. It’s a huge testament to him. He’s a really good kid. Then, as I said, we have to look at it. At this moment in time, there are players out. He’s coming in and working very hard.”

Yang at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Although some within the support are running out of patience with the forward, it’s clear that Brendan Rodgers has not and admires his aptitude for self-improvement.

Creative output needs to translate into numbers

It hasn’t been easy and it’s obvious his creative output needs to translate into numbers in terms of goals and assists, but a goal or an assist tonight would do him the world of good and possibly give him that spark he needs to ignite and arrive fully as a Celtic player. The jury is still out, but what cannot be denied is Yang’s willingness to work hard for the team.

Hopefully he can crown it with a goal at Dens Park tonight and restore faith that he can be an able deputy for the club in Maeda’s absence.

Paul Gillespie

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