Brendan Rodgers Praises Daizen Maeda As Celtic's Symbol Of Teamwork After 5-1 Victory Over Aberdeen

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Brendan Rodgers praised Daizen Maeda for his two goals in Celtic's 5-1 victory over Aberdeen. This win extended their lead to 16 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Maeda scored both the first and last goals, with Jota, Callum McGregor, and Yang Hyun-Jun also finding the net. Shayden Morris scored a late consolation goal for Aberdeen, who are third but trail Celtic by 31 points.

Celtic have been dominant at home, winning their last 10 league matches with a combined score of 37-1. This victory was crucial after recent setbacks, including a Champions League exit against Bayern Munich and a surprising loss to Hibernian. Rodgers highlighted the team's resilience, saying, "It's one of the great traits of this team, that resilience they have to bounce back when we slip."

Rodgers emphasised Maeda's importance beyond his scoring ability. He described Maeda as a key player who embodies Celtic's work ethic and mentality. "He is not your traditional number nine," Rodgers told BBC Scotland. "He moves in behind, anticipates things in the box when they drop, and is a wonderful example for our team."

Despite their commanding lead, Jota insists that Celtic will continue pushing hard in their pursuit of the title. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "I think, as a Celtic player, you always aim to do better... Even though we have a [16-point] advantage, it does not mean we are going to take our foot off the pedal."

The team's current form suggests they are well on track for another top-flight title. However, Jota's comments reflect a determination to maintain high standards throughout the season. His six league goals against Aberdeen highlight his contribution to Celtic's success.

This comprehensive win over Aberdeen was vital for restoring confidence after recent disappointments. The players' ability to respond positively underlines their strong mentality and commitment to achieving their goals this season.