Sport nationKasper Schmeichel: The Signing That Raised Eyebrows But Proved Critics Wrong
When Celtic announced the signing of Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer, many eyebrows were raised. The 38-year-old goalkeeper, who had just left Nice, was seen as a short-term solution, a stopgap measure to fill the void left by Joe Hart’s retirement. However, as the season has progressed, Schmeichel has proven his critics wrong, establishing himself as a key player in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
James McFadden, the former Scotland midfielder, was one of those who questioned the signing initially. “A lot of eyebrows were raised when he was signed because he was the same age as Joe Hart, who was retiring,” McFadden told Sky Sports Football. “He felt like he had enough.”
However, McFadden has been impressed by Schmeichel’s performances, particularly his distribution and leadership qualities. “I think Schmeichel coming in, it has given him a new lease of life,” McFadden said. “He is a big character. He is a big leader. But his all-round play. He makes big saves at big moments. He isn’t called into action too much, but it’s a sign of a good goalkeeper that you are ready. His distribution is excellent. Whether it’s off the ground, doing the side volley or throwing it out. His distribution is excellent and he has been a tremendous signing for Celtic.”
Schmeichel’s impact at Celtic has been significant, helping the team to win their first trophy of the season, the Premier Sports Cup. His experience and leadership have been invaluable, and he has quickly become a fan favorite at Parkhead.
As for his future, Schmeichel’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but Rodgers has revealed that the club has the option to trigger an extension. McFadden believes that Schmeichel has at least two or three years left at the top level, provided he maintains his hunger and desire to play.
“For a goalkeeper, at 38 now, he is still young,” McFadden said. “He can still have another two or three years at a level where there is no diminishing of your talent or flexibility, as long as you have that hunger. I think, coming to a club like Celtic, where you have come in straight away, the fans have taken to him straight away, you are playing in the big games and he has given them that new lease of life. I bet he is loving every moment. Even going into training every single day. Thinking, ‘I am at a big club here, it’s a great opportunity for me to keep playing’. He looks like he has the hunger to continue for a while yet as well.”
As the season progresses, Schmeichel will continue to play a key role in Celtic’s quest for success. His signing may have raised eyebrows initially, but he has proven his critics wrong, establishing himself as one of the top goalkeepers in Scottish football.
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