James McFadden has told Open Goal that Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is like Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk in how easy the USA international makes defending look easy – after his display against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Carter-Vickers, 26, joined Celtic on loan in the summer of 2021 from Tottenham before joining permanently last summer. He has instantly proved to be a massive success at Parkhead, clocking up a huge 69 games in that time.
He is a mainstay in the side, Celtic’s best centre-half above Carl Starfelt, Stephen Welsh and probably, new signing Yuki Kobayashi. In his 69 games, Carter-Vickers has kept a huge 32 clean sheets, scoring four goals, conceding just 54.
His latest clean sheet in a Celtic clean sheet came against Kilmarnock on Saturday, a 2-0 win at Parkhead. The £6m defender looked comfortable throughout – and McFadden has likened him to £240k-a-week Liverpool star van Dijk.
“Cameron Carter-Vickers, he was outstanding. He’s not at the level, but see when you’re watching him, he reminds me of Virgil van Dijk the way it is so easy for him,” McFadden said on Open Goal’s Right in the Coupon on Thursday.
McFadden: Celtic defender Carter-Vickers like Liverpool star van Dijk
There is no doubt that Carter-Vickers has been one of Celtic’s best signings under Ange Postecoglou. Yes, he cost the club a fee of £6million, but he proved he was worth it while on loan. Tottenham will see it as a missed opportunity.
Of course, he is not on the level of van Dijk – even with, the Liverpool star struggling at times this season. But his ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations is certainly a similarity he shares with the Dutch defender.
His record is incredible at Celtic and his numerous loans away from Spurs will have helped. How long will it be before the USA defender is being linked with a move back to the Premier League? Judging by this form, not long at all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
