Ipswich Town forward Daizen Maeda is under pressure to score in the Premier League; however, he admits that he hasn’t seen as many chances as he did at Celtic.

Maeda spoke to Japanese media outlet Gekisaka during this international break and said he is looking to improve his goal-scoring record and represent his country.

The 29-year-old joined from Celtic in the summer for £8.5 million. However, despite a strong reputation of scoring 50 goals in 149 games for the Scottish Premiership, he hasn’t settled well into the top flight.

Adapting to the Premier League

Whilst Maeda has been a key player due to his high work rate and all-round nature, he has failed to find any luck in front of goal.

His only goal so far came in Ipswich’s tight loss to Manchester City. Whilst it was an important goal for the Japanese international, he admitted it meant a lot to him. However, he said he always knew that he would find a moment to shine.

“I always thought that a chance would come someday, and I felt like that chance had finally arrived,” he told the Japanese outlet.

“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.”

According to Maeda, the major difference between Scotland and England is the number of opportunities players receive during matches.

“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.”

Maeda feels it becomes even more important for newly promoted teams to score.

“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.”

Grateful for International Recognition

But the Ipswich winger admitted that he was worried that he would not be given another opportunity after a slow start. Maeda admitted he was surprised to get another chance with the national side.

“I thought it would be impossible for me to make the national team,” Maeda confessed.

However he is grateful that Moriyasu has selected him and wants to make the most of his chances.

“But Moriyasu selected me and has continued to use me up to this point. I want to play with a sense of gratitude.”

Japan are scheduled to face Brazil and Paraguay during the current international break, giving Maeda another opportunity to impress on the international stage.

Happy To Play Wherever Needed

Since joining Ipswich, Maeda has proven his versatility by playing in a variety of positions. Naturally a left winger he has often been played on the other flank and has even had to play a more defensive role on occasion.

Maeda sees this as one of his greatest strengths..

“Being able to play in various positions is one of my strengths,” he stressed. So I want to play well in whatever position I’m given and help the team get results.”

Maeda feels the attacking mentality they have shown under O’Neil will help him.

“Instead of sitting back and defending, we’ve been aggressive and proactive in the previous series of games, so I want to show that attitude in the match against Brazil as well.”

As Ipswich prepare for the next stage of their Premier League campaign, Maeda remains determined to build on his first goal for the club. While opportunities may be fewer and pressure may be greater, the Japan international is embracing the challenge and believes hard work will eventually bring further rewards.