When Cameron Carter-Vickers was announced as a Celtic summer signing, a lot of the focus was on his Premier League credentials, and the fact he’d played for a team called Catholic United.
The desperation for defenders at that point was obvious. Ange Postecoglou had to rely on the talented but raw Dane Murray in a Champions League qualifier. Kristoffer Ajer was out, Shane Duffy’s loan had expired and of course, Jullien was injured.
Add Carl Starfelt’s shaky start to the mix, and there was a clear need for a cool head at the back. Cameron Carter-Vickers has, unquestionably, been that.
Celtic have looked far, far better defensively since the Tottenham loanee joined. He’s played over 1,200 minutes of football for Ange Postecoglou’s team already [Transfermarkt], and in that time, Celtic have kept 6 clean sheets.
Steady on the ball and dominant in the air, Carter-Vickers has made Celtic better in a key area. Combined with Joe Hart, the USA international has made the Bhoys much harder to beat in the air. He’s winning 4.5 aerial duels per 90 in the Premiership, and averaging 5.4 clearances [WhoScored?].
It’s defensive basics done extremely well. But more than that, he seems to be another who’s bought into what Ange Postecoglou wants. He’s got no problem covering large areas of the pitch, with Anthony Ralston moving in to central areas.
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Where’s the clamour for Celtic signing Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently?
Much like wing sensation Jota, Celtic have the option to bring in Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently. He’d be our second signing from Spurs under Postecoglou, with Joe Hart secured from the Londoners.
On the basis of what he’s done for Celtic so far, the answer is very obvious. While his short passing has tuned into what Postecoglou wants, he’s happy to mix it up. Last night alone, he played 7 accurate long balls [Fotmob]. He’s also happy to get into attacking areas, scoring twice for Celtic in just 8 league games.
Attackers will obviously grab the headlines. That much is obvious. But starring in a side that’s conceded just once at home all season is as worthy of acclaim.
Chris Sutton said it last night: “Carter Vickers was excellent once again at the back”.
Consistency is valuable. For Celtic, improving a shaky back-line was integral to boosting what they could do going forward. Carter-Vickers, in that sense, has been absolutely vital.
It’s time he got the widespread acclaim he deserves.
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