Carl Starfelt has teased Celtic supporters with an Instagram highlight video.
With the Bhoys’ supporters desperate for a tough-tackling, aerially dominant defender, Starfelt’s post was a welcome bit of footage for his followers.
Compiled by his agency, the clip shows Starfelt rising high for crosses to thunder in headers. Also, for Rubin Kazan, he’s seen making beautifully-timed sliding tackles, showing his physical prowess and generally being a defensive nuisance.
What’s more, Starfelt captioned it “See you soon”, with a devil and a four-leaf clover.
Starfelt, who arrived for a reported £4m from the Russian side [BBC], has already had us Celtic supporters on strings. During the FC Midtjylland game, the Swede shared a story of him enjoying a steak and watching the Bhoys against Midtjylland.
Unfortunately, Covid-19 restrictions dictate we’re unlikely to see him play for a wee while yet. Starfelt is going through the mandatory self-isolation process.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou described his frustration regarding both Starfelt and Furuhashi yesterday. He said [Sky Sports]:
“We signed Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi but they’re not even here at the moment. That’s the challenges of the world we live in. That’s a little bit of a frustrating bit, it would’ve been great to have those boys in already.”
Carl Starfelt making himself popular with Celtic supporters already, superb Instagram content
Needless to say, these highlights will be a sight for many sore eyes in the Celtic support.
Shane Duffy was supposed to bring an aerial threat and some ruggedness to the Hoops defence last season. It didn’t quite work out that way, with the Premier League defender well off the pace in Scotland.
Starfelt seems to have similar attributes. However, Swedish football reporter Anel Advić says there’s more to his game than that.
Advić told 67 Hail Hail earlier this month:
“He has developed [his game] in Russia. I think he’s pretty good with the ball also, but he is… a good tackler, he’s good in the air, and he reads the game very well. Also, I think he’s a very calm player. He never loses concentration, he’s very calm, and likes to play with some experience.
“He’s an interesting player.”
A snip at £4m, Starfelt looks like the experienced, sturdy centre-back Celtic have needed. Confident on the ball and tenacious off it, Ange seems pleased with the business, and so do supporters.
Especially given the timing, having not long announced the departure of Kristoffer Ajer.
All in, it’s another reason for Celtic fans to feel optimistic ahead of 21-22.
In other news: Chris Sutton bemused by Celtic midfielder’s contract limbo
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