Celtic man Cameron Carter-Vickers is quite the defender – we all know that. But debate has been had today over where he ranks in the greatest Celtic defender of all time after Jackie McNamara claimed he is the BEST Hoops centre-back since Bobo Balde.
Carter-Vickers joined the Hoops at a time of tumult when Ange Postecoglou took to the helm. The future of a lot of Celtic’s main guard seen under Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon was unsure, with most having either departed or been told they had no future at Parkhead. But Postecoglou was quick to ensure the signing of USA international Carter-Vickers on loan from Spurs, and whilst the Hoops were unfortunate not to pick up a treble in his debut season, the burly centre-half joined on a permanent in the summer for a fee of around £6million.
Again, he hasn’t failed to impress. Himself and Carl Starfelt have formed the base of a team that has dropped points in just two games across the entire Scottish Premiership season – an amazing achievement, and one that could break the current record of 106 points if they win each of their remaining six league games. Nobody would’ve thought that when Ange joined.
And following on with the sentiment of Carter-Vickers’ superb form, Celtic hero Jackie McNamara has claimed that the USA star is up there with some of the best he ever played with – albeit not quite reaching Bobo’s levels.
He said, via the Daily Record: “Carter-Vickers is strong and has a lot of attributes. He’s been a terrific signing. Yeah, he’s up there with some of the best – although he’s not quite the same kind of player as Bobo!
“I played with some cracking centre-backs over the years – Johan Mjallby, Mark Rieper, and so on. Carter-Vickers has definitely been one who has been an excellent signing. He’s very steady and consistent.
“He can definitely play, as well. And with the way Ange Postecoglou sets his team up, he wants everybody to be able to play, including the goalie. He’s been a great addition.”
Time will tell if Carter-Vickers goes on to endure the spell that Balde had at the club – but he’s made more than a decent start.
