Celtic’s most improved signing under Ange Postecoglou, Carl Starfelt, continues to build his reputation with a superb display against Motherwell yesterday.
Once again it was an afternoon where the attacking players took the plaudits. Tom Rogic came back into the starting XI with a bang and a brace. Liel Abada kept up his insane goal contribution stats, whilst Reo Hatate continues to be the darling of Parkhead these days.
But it’s important to acknowledge the absolutely stunning form of Starfelt. The recovery in the Swedish international since his struggling start back in August cannot be ignored anymore.
After helping Cameron Carter-Vickers dominate Kemar Roofe at Celtic Park in our 3-0 demolition of Rangers, Starfelt dealt with everything at Fir Park in a simple manner.
Starfelt was given an 8/10 ranking by stat experts Fotmob. This was the highest rating of any of the defenders on the pitch in North Lanarkshire.
It’s no wonder either when you look at how dominant he was throughout the 90. Starfelt won 12 of his 13 individual duels with the Motherwell attackers. This included 8 aerial duels that he won as he showed his physical improvement.
Carl Starfelt gave Motherwell no change as he bosses another big Celtic match
He also managed 5 recoveries, 2 interceptions, and it’s clear that he was tidy on the ball all game because not one Motherwell player managed to dispossess him [Fotmob].
Carl was also solid with his distribution of the ball too. So often the whipping boy when it comes to playing it out from the bag, the former Ruben Kazan star managed an 85% pass completion rate.
What’s so impressive about this is that Motherwell are seen as one of the more physical sides in the division. If ever Starfelt was going to struggle in a match it was going to be a fixture like this. But we’re now way beyond the frailties that harmed him in the first month or so of his Parkhead career. He’s a much more polished and confident player now, and that showed at Fir Park.
You can’t deny the impact Carl has had on our successful defensive run in 2022. The Hoops have managed 4 shutouts in their 6 games this year, with only 2 goals shipped in total. It’s a massive improvement from the start of the season when our backline was being battered from pillar to post.
Starfelt has been a huge presence throughout that improvement. You now have total confidence in him when it comes to his aerial duels, with some real increased aggression in recent weeks.
If Celtic do go on to win the title, Starfelt will have played a monumental role in it. Here’s hoping he gets the praise for that that he’ll undoubtedly deserve.
In other news, Swedish Report: Barkas Celtic exit looking unlikely as IFK Goteborg move for Orjan Nyland
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