Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt can finally put an end to the unfair critics that have plagued his Parkhead career by making an example of Alfredo Morelos.
Starfelt had a ropey start to his Celtic career after some costly mistakes both domestically and in Europe. However, he’s been shining alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers for the best part of 6 months now. The partnership has blossomed and Celtic now have, statistically speaking, the best defence in the country.
Indeed, Celtic have only shipped 18 goals in 31 league matches this term. An insane return given the problems we’re said to have had in the position.
Yet even so, it hasn’t stopped those who have had it in for him since day 1 from continuing their criticism. Davie Provan in particular has been a vocal critic. Incredibly, the former Celtic striker stated that the Bhoys have the best defence in Scotland despite Starfelt and not because of him.
The same goes for Stephen Craigan who has regularly hammered Starfelt for the smallest of errors.
Even dominating Kemar Roofe and the Rangers frontline at Celtic Park back in Februrary hasn’t won Starfelt much more respect amongst media figures. neither has being recalled to the Sweden boss.
If Carl Starfelt bosses Alfredo Morelos then pundits will have to show their respect
This Sunday, he’ll be up against Alfredo Morelos so long as the Colombian overcomes his injury issue. It’ll be the second time the pair have locked horns after August’s meeting at Ibrox in which Starfelt kept the Rangers striker quiet. Unfortunately, losing the game took the spotlight off of that subplot.
We’ve seen occasions this side of 2022 where Starfelt has chosen a more aggressive approach. It was notable against Kevin Nisbet back in January for instance as Starfelt looked to match power with power.
That same approach will be key for his battle with Morelos. However, Carl will need to be extremely wary of the Colombian’s play-acting antics. Especially given the importance of this particular fixture on Sunday.
But make no mistake, Morelos is a Scottish media darling. If Starfelt is able to keep things simple and shut him out the game, then it will firmly silence pundits who just refuse to admit he’s a solid centre-back.
Can Carl look a bit awkward with his feet? Yes. Has he made some costly errors in the past? Of course. But none of them have come recently. He’s put together a fine run of form with CCV, and that’s showing in how few goals and chances we are conceding.
Nothing would say more about Starfelt’s quality and character than if he could go to Ibrox on a day as important as Sunday and be all over Morelos from the start. It appears that only that will earn him the long-awaited appreciation he deserves from media pundits.
In other news, Kris Commons’ firm title message for Celtic rivals; says they have a big vulnerability
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