Iheanacho central & Maeda on right - did it work?

"Choosing Celtic's starting front three seems to have given manager Brendan Rodgers quite the headache of late. That's in direct contrast to recent seasons, when they had stick-on roles for the likes of Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada, for example. Now, the champions are still searching for the right balance within the squad they currently have at their disposal. With Kelechi Iheanacho making a big impact in his first few outings since his unheralded arrival post-transfer window, it was no surprise to see him start as striker in Saturday's 0-0 stalemate against Hibernian."

"Not for the first time, Daizen Maeda played through the middle in the 1-1 Europa League draw against Red Star Belgrade in midweek. But after an uninspiring display, the Japan inernational was removed at half-time, with replacement Iheanacho scoring and proving a positive focal point. With his match fitness and, surely, confidence improving, the question was how to structure the two wide positions around him to the greatest effect against a Hibs side who proved resolute and dogged defensively."

"Rodgers' answer was to deploy Maeda - so effective last season on the left - on the right, with Sebastian Tounekti retaining the wide-left berth. After Kyogo's departure in January, Maeda took on the main striker role with aplomb. His tally of 33 goals last term was an unimaginable return and led to him deservedly sweeping all of the player of the year awards. The 27-year-old kept the now-departed Adam Idah on the sidelines for the most part, but has not hit the same level this term."

Celtic face difficulties selecting a settled front three amid shifting player roles and new arrivals. Kelechi Iheanacho made an immediate impact after his arrival, starting the recent 0-0 with Hibernian and scoring after replacing Maeda in the Europa League. Daizen Maeda excelled last season as a striker with 33 goals but has not reached that level this term amid transfer uncertainty. Brendan Rodgers has experimented by moving Maeda to the right and keeping Sebastian Tounekti on the left. New signings Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha indicate recruitment prepared for Maeda's potential exit.

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