"He was one of my favourite players"; Uruguayan coach addresses USA international's Celtic move

By Euan Davidson

November 24, 2021

Celtic loan defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is being backed to succeed at the club, amidst talk of his long-term future.

On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Carter-Vickers has been an unsung hero of this young season. Since his arrival, Celtic have conceded just once at home in the league. Not only that, his partnership with Carl Starfelt, a fellow summer arrival, has shown real promise.

Young, with USA caps and vast EFL Championship experience, Carter-Vickers was a quality addition. And Uruguayan coach Tab Ramos, who spent 8 years with the USA U20s, has heaped praise on the Celtic man.

Speaking to the Athletic, Ramos said [The Athletic]:

“Cameron is a great person to have at camp, always smiling, always with the right attitude.

“He was one of my favourite players to coach because of his demeanour. [Carter-Vickers] brought a lot to the table, he made the team better, on the field and off it. I hope he’s good for Celtic, and I hope Celtic are good for him.”

Meanwhile, his former coach at Spurs, Chris Ramsey, who was the Head of Player Development at Tottenham Hotspur’s Reserve and Academy level, added [The Athletic]:

“Players are more transient than they were in the past, but he could do a lot worse than be at Celtic.

“He’s reached a high level and I hope he’s enjoying it.”

Praise indeed from two coaches that know him extremely well. Across the article, Carter-Vickers’ experiences with the USMNT, his chances of being released by Spurs at a young age, and his technical ability are all discussed.

Cameron Carter-Vickers appears to be enjoying life at Celtic; club ought to act on buy-out option

Considering the sources, this is lofty praise. Tab Ramos might not be a huge name here, but he was once US Soccer Athlete of the Year [LA Times]. He also has coaching pedigree from the USA national set-up, and Houston Dynamo in the MLS.

Ramsey, meanwhile, is probably a more familiar name. A trusted colleague of Harry Redknapp, the MBE has experience working with Kevin Keegan for England, and is currently Technical Director at QPR.

Both know how to spot a player. Their opinions on Cameron Carter-Vickers, then, hold some weight.

Watching him play, it’s a wonder why he’s bounced around from club to club on loan. He has all the attributes to be a very good centre-back, and has proven as such with Celtic. After years of ever-changing back-lines at the club, some permanence is required.

Carter-Vickers could be part of that. He’s certainly justified it thus far. Winning a considerable 4.1 aerial duels a game and averaging over an interception and 5 clearances [WhoScored?], he’s brought presence and calm to the Celtic defence.

He’s got the backing of Celtic fans, the coaches who helped to mould him, and an innate self-belief. What’s more, he could end up being a bargain.

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