Tunisia winger Sebastian Tounekti has identified Celtic star Daizen Maeda as one of Japan’s key threats ahead of the sides’ crucial World Cup meeting this weekend.
The North Africans head into the contest under new leadership after a disastrous start to their Group F campaign saw their manager dismissed following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden.
That result has left Tunisia under pressure to respond, with their clash against Japan now carrying huge significance.
Tounekti was on the opposite side to Celtic teammate Benjamin Nygren during that opening fixture and is well aware of the challenge posed by a Japanese side packed with attacking quality.
Among those he knows best is Maeda, who enjoyed another outstanding campaign with the Hoops and played a leading role as Celtic secured both the Premiership title and domestic cup success.
Speaking ahead of the encounter in Monterrey, Tounekti admitted the Hoops forward is a player his side must be wary of.
Tounekti said via Zocalo Web: “To be honest, when I play matches, I don’t focus so much on other teams…
“But I have one of my mates playing there, when I play for Celtic: Maeda.
“He’s been really good for us, so he’s a player to look for — but I think as a team we just have to focus on ourselves.
“It’s a big game, and we have a lot to prove to people.”
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