Chris Sutton feels Carl Starfelt deserves a ‘whole load more credit’ as the Celtic star is underrated outside Parkhead compared to Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The 27-year-old has impressed Sutton with his performances under Ange Postecoglou just as much as Carter-Vickers so far this season.
But the Hoops hero believes Starfelt does not get the recognition the Sweden international truly merits for his essential role.
Sutton feels Starfelt helps Carter-Vickers shine for Celtic
Starfelt has started 21 of his 23 Premiership appearances so far this season and 28 of 31 in all competitions. He has also provided two goals and one assist.
Carter-Vickers, on the other hand, has opened all 29 of his Scottish top-flight outings. The American has also assumed the captaincy at times when without Callum McGregor.
But Sutton feels that were it not for Starfelt also impressing, Carter-Vickers would not shine as brightly as he has for Celtic this season en route to another title.
Sutton wrote in his column for the Daily Record: “I can’t help thinking he is complemented brilliantly by his partner, who never gets the same recognition when it comes to assessing the champions-elect.
“Starfelt is an absolute giant in Ange Postecoglou’s backline and due a whole load more credit than he gets from outside that dressing room. The Swedish international is every bit as important to Celtic’s defence as Carter-Vickers.”
Starfelt and Carter-Vickers bring out the best in each other
Starfelt, a £4m signing from Rubin Kazan in July 2021, suffered a stop-start run to start this season. Injuries meant he only featured in three of Celtic’s first 13 league fixtures.
But since Postecoglou recalled Starfelt on November 9, he has been a mainstay of the best defence in the Premiership.
Celtic have only conceded 14 goals throughout their last 20 top-flight matches with Starfelt involved. He has also been instrumental to their impressive record.
Starfelt has shown great awareness to produce a number of crucial interventions and win a host of duels.
The centre-half also helps the Hoops establish their play out from the back to further show his importance for how Postecoglou wants the Bhoys tackling games.
But like Sutton suggests is the case with Carter-Vickers, the American’s presence also brings out the best in Starfelt.
The pair work well together and their presences allow each other to perform at their best.
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