Sport Nation 2Not too long ago, Celtic was enjoying a remarkable run under Brendan Rodgers. The team seemed unstoppable, dominating the domestic front and even securing an impressive 5-1 win in their Champions League opener against Slovan Bratislava. However, that sense of invincibility quickly dissipated following their crushing defeat at Signal Iduna Park, where Borussia Dortmund dismantled Celtic, scoring seven goals. The result was a harsh reality check for the Hoops, exposing their vulnerabilities at the highest level.
What made the loss particularly disappointing wasn’t just the scoreline but the manner of the performance. Celtic’s approach to the game appeared naïve and disjointed, raising concerns about whether the team was truly equipped to compete in the Champions League. The defeat has once again sparked familiar questions about the squad’s ability to perform consistently against elite European teams.
One player who struggled significantly in the Borussia Dortmund game was Auston Trusty. The American defender, signed from Sheffield United for a fee of around £6 million on deadline day, has failed to deliver the level of performance expected of him. His display against Dortmund was shaky, and he had also looked unconvincing in a prior match against Falkirk. Trusty’s struggles have left fans and pundits questioning whether he can establish himself as a reliable option in Celtic’s defense.
It is important to remember that Trusty was not brought in to replace Celtic’s star center-back, Cameron Carter-Vickers, but rather to complement him. As such, some patience is required as he adjusts to the new environment and the pressure that comes with playing for a club like Celtic. Trusty’s inconsistency could be attributed to the challenges of acclimatizing to a new league and club. However, if his performances do not improve in the coming months, Celtic may have no choice but to dip into the transfer market once again in January to strengthen their defense.
Given the current situation, one player that should be at the top of Celtic’s list is Carl Starfelt. The Swedish center-back, who previously spent two successful years at Celtic under the management of Ange Postecoglou, was linked with a return to the club during the summer transfer window. However, Starfelt ended up staying at Celta Vigo, where he currently plies his trade in La Liga.
Despite leaving Celtic for Spain, Starfelt remains a solid option who could significantly improve the club’s defensive setup. During his time at Celtic, he was a consistent performer, though his contributions often flew under the radar. He formed a strong partnership with Carter-Vickers, helping Celtic secure domestic success. Although not always given the credit he deserved, Starfelt was dependable and played a key role in the team’s defensive stability.
A return for Starfelt in January could provide Celtic with much-needed reinforcement, especially if Trusty continues to underwhelm. Since his departure from Celtic, Starfelt has been competing at a higher level in La Liga, where he is regularly tested against some of the best attackers in Europe. This experience has likely aided his development as a player, and if Celtic were to bring him back, they could potentially benefit from a more seasoned and polished version of the Swedish defender.
Of course, the ideal scenario for Celtic would be for Trusty to prove his doubters wrong and rise to the challenge. The club invested a significant sum in signing him, and he was brought in with the expectation that he would grow into a key player for the team. If he can find his form and develop a strong partnership with Carter-Vickers, it would alleviate the need for Celtic to make defensive reinforcements in January.
That said, the world of football is unpredictable, and it is crucial for Celtic to prepare for all eventualities. Trusty’s shaky start cannot be ignored, and while he may improve, Celtic should not rule out the possibility of revisiting the transfer market to strengthen their squad, particularly if they aim to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.
Starfelt’s familiarity with the club, his solid track record at Celtic, and his experience playing at a higher level in Spain make him a logical target for the January transfer window. Furthermore, bringing back a player who already knows the club, the manager’s philosophy, and the demands of playing for a team like Celtic could be a smart move, as it would allow for a smoother transition compared to signing someone entirely new to the setup.
Ultimately, Celtic’s success in the second half of the season will hinge on their ability to address the issues in defense. While the attacking side of the team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their win against Slovan Bratislava, defensive frailties have been exposed at the highest level, as seen in the Dortmund debacle. If the team is to make a deep run in the Champions League and maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership, these defensive weaknesses must be resolved.
The January transfer window offers Celtic an opportunity to make adjustments to their squad, and Carl Starfelt should be one of the top priorities if they decide to bring in a new center-back. His return could restore some much-needed solidity to the defense, allowing the Hoops to compete with confidence on all fronts.
In the meantime, Brendan Rodgers will need to find a way to instill greater discipline and organization in his backline, particularly in high-pressure European fixtures. Whether that solution comes from within the squad—through the improvement of players like Trusty—or through external reinforcements in January remains to be seen.
Celtic’s ambitions for the season remain high, but if they are to achieve their goals, they must address their defensive issues swiftly and decisively. Bringing back Starfelt could be the key to shoring up their defense and giving them the platform to succeed both domestically and in Europe.
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