Daizen Maeda, often dubbed 'Japan's Super Express,' found himself on the bench during Brighton's recent Premier League match against Arsenal, leading to considerable frustration from local media and fans. The match, held on January 4, ended in a 1-1 draw, but many believed Maeda could have made the difference if he started the game.
Coach Fabian Hülzler, who at 31 is the youngest coach in Premier League history, opted for other players in his starting lineup, citing Maeda's fatigue from earlier matches and international duties. "He has played many games, especially during the first half of the season, and due to long trips (with the Japan national team), he was a bit tired," he explained after the game.
Despite these reasoning, critics have been vocal about the decision to bench Maeda. According to the website WE ARE BRIGHTON.COM, the coach's selection choices have been labeled "strange," causing the team to stumble out of the gates against Arsenal. Many fans had high hopes for Maeda, particularly due to his speed and skill against Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who is not naturally positioned as a right-back.
The critique continues, indicating Hülzler's reliance on players such as O'Reilly, Gurda, and Simon Adingra did not pay off, as evidenced by their quick substitutions. O'Reilly and Gurda were taken off at half-time, with Adingra following soon after, illustrating how much more effective Brighton had been after Maeda finally entered the game.
Hülzler's selections have raised eyebrows, especially considering the influence Maeda could have brought to the match early on. Brighton fans and analysts anticipated seeing Maeda’s agility and speed on the pitch, as many felt he was the best contender to exploit Arsenal's defense.
With the newly acquired depth within the squad, Hülzler's strategy is under the microscope more than ever, especially when many believe Maeda’s presence from the start could have altered the match's result significantly. His coaching choices will continue to draw attention as the season progresses, and questions linger about how best to utilize players with Maeda's caliber for subsequent matches.
This incident has highlighted the growing pains of relying on young managers who are still finding their footing among seasoned professionals on the pitch. Fans are eager to see consistency and smart tactics as Brighton navigates through the busy season.