Regular readers of Vital Celtic will know that we regularly defend Carl Starfelt from the likes of Hugh Keevins and Tom English’ criticisms of the Hoops defender. Of course, they are not the only ones who criticise him, but we’ll get to that.
The media in Scotland do love a bit of Starfelt bashing and, for me, it is quite incredible how they can come to the conclusion that he is ‘bang average‘ or that ‘Welsh is a better defender‘ than him.
If that was the case then I’m sure that Ange Postecoglou would have Welsh in the side.
Indeed, we have plenty in our own support that don’t rate the Swede but these facts from Sky Sports that was shared by a Celtic fan on Twitter completely blow the Starfelt myth right out of the water.
The next time you see someone dissin Starfelt!! Yes, he’s not perfect but none of them are!
They need reminding just how Good Starfelt is!!
‘mon the Celts!! 💪🏼🍀🍀🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/JqBmiiiFwj
— Wee Fergs! 🍀 (@Michael38166809) February 5, 2023
Now I am not daft. I know there are aspects of Starfelt’s game that need improving but when you are in a centre-half pairing that is has failed to lose in forty games, maybe he is due to be cut a bit of slack.
Starfelt has clearly built up a great understanding with Cameron Carter-Vickers. He is clearly rated by the manager despite Keevins claiming “I think the Celtic fans can’t wait to get Kobayashi in the team and get Starfelt out.”
Starfelt has done nothing to warrant the constant criticism that has been levied his way. The odd mistake, yes, but is there anyone at the club who hasn’t made a mistake?
And I include the manager in that one.
It’s not “the odd mistake” with Starfelt, it’s a regular occurrence and frequently in a dangerous area. Besides that, he’s slow brained – takes an eternity to pass the ball and even then gets his passes wrong quite a lot. He’s so slow that I’ve seen opposition players close in on him and cause real panic. Jens was far superior and I hope Kobayashi is too.