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Name: Carl Anders Theodor Starfelt
aka: Carl Starfelt
Born: 1 June 1995
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
Signed: 21 July 2021 (est £4-5m from Rubin Kazan)
Left: 10 August 2023 (est £4.5m to Celta Vigo)
Position: Central Defender
Debut: 2021-07-31: Hearts 2-1 Celtic, SP
Squad No.: 4
Internationals: Sweden
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
“I think just Celtic in general! The football, the fans, winning the title last year. Of course I like Scotland off the pitch too, but Celtic is my favourite part.”
Carl Starfelt on best part of coming to Celtic (Aug 2022)
Carl Starfelt came to Celtic in the wake of Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to Covid) having played in one of Sweden’s games. He was a relatively frugal transfer at £4m for Celtic to help in the overhaul under newly installed manager Ange Postecoglu. The Celtic support defence had been a disaster in the past season and really needed restructuring fast.
A concerning report on Starfelt on arrival was that he had ability but was a dreamer & often lacked concentration. That was how it initially panned out at Celtic, but despite the criticisms he was a professional player who made up lack of finesse with commitment and willingness to get stuck into a challenge.
However, in October 2021, the Sweden national team coach Janne Andersson left Starfelt out of his matchday squad for a match, publicly stating saying he believed another player was better equipped to handle the mental pressures that come with playing in a big game. It was a bit of a dig, and reflected that at Starfelt’s mature age now, this was his chance to make it big or not.
In time, he forged a strong defensive partnerships with whoever he was playing alongside, and the best moments had to be balanced out with those often erratic moments. It didn’t help that the manager wanted the defence to start attacks at the back which when put under pressure could create heart in the mouth moments.
His first two games he demonstrated that the concerns were fair criticisms, when his effort for one of the goals conceded was utterly embarrassing, and he was responsible for 2 goals conceded, so he had to turn things around quick.
A disastrous moment came when under no pressure he scored a comical own goal v Alkmaar in the Europa league playoffs which put the side under undue pressure. A miskick from Carl Starfelt saw the ball hit his standing leg and fly behind him into the net. However, Celtic somehow held on aided by a far superior performance by him in the second half. He came round finally & quickly in a defeat to Sevco in August 2021, giving a good performance despite the disappointment of the 1-0 defeat.
He recovered after the early setbacks, and developed with more gametime (the manager having faith in him), albeit not always convincing everyone at first. As results proved he was found to be a decent defender in a unit that little conceded domestically. He was to become an absolute rock alongside Carter-Vickers, most notably in the pivotal 2-1 win v Sevco in an away match at Ibrox in April 2022, which effectively led to the league title. Misfortune did continue to hinder him, as he was unfortunate to have a deflection come off him to aid Sevco win their Scottish Cup semi final two weeks later, he’d actually had a fine game. In no way did it derail the great progress he had made in this debut season.
Into the new season (2022/23) he had a good start with his debut goal in a 5-0 win over Kilmarnock. However, there was greater competition for centre half places now with loanee Jenz, the peerless Carter Vickers, an improving Welsh and later on from Kobayashi.
Regardless of the added pressure, he was to prove his worth, and retained a deserved first team place.
Despite being mostly outshone by CCV, he was still a pillar of the defensive unit, and he was a first team pick whenever available. Not often praised but got on with his job as Celtic cleaned up domestically in the league with the defence being reliable.
The League Cup final in February 2023 (2-1 win v Sevco) exemplified him best. An excellent game with some great defensive work by Starfelt, man of the match for quite a number, although close to the end he did have a couple of clumsy moments, albeit nothing came of it. You had to take the rough with the smooth with Starfelt. Admittedly, he struggled when CCV was later out the side with injuries, albeit partly due to others less experienced who he was partnered with in the centre of defence.
Possibly his finest game was the 3-2 league win at Celtic Park v Sevco in April 2023. After Carter-Vickers was yellow carded after just 8 minutes of the game, it meant that Starfelt had to step up and take the lead role in the centre of defence that day. He was a rock and outshone his more lauded colleague that day for once, and deservedly so.
Celtic won the treble in this incredible 2022/23 season, and Starfelt deserved as much credit as other players, and you could see his development in the side both as a player & person.
In European competition things were different and more of a challenge. The defenders including Starfelt were often put under too much pressure from higher quality opposition in contrast to what they were used to at home due to the manager’s tactics & playing philosophy of playing from the back. Celtic often then heavily paid the price for it in results.
Whilst at Celtic, off-field he was in a relationship with highly respected Celtic women’s player Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, this at a time when the women’s game in Scotland was growing strongly. It provided some high profile to the women’s team, and the rest out of respect is their own private business.
Departure
Despite playing some friendlies, the arrival of Nawrocki meant clearly that someone was going to play second fiddle and that was never going to be Carter Vickers. Competition was ramping up for places in the centre of the defence.
With the departure of his partner (Jacynta Galabadaarachchi had already left Celtic’s women’s team to move to Sporting Lisbon), the speculation was rife that he was also to leave albeit many were hoping he’d stay.
Following initial transfer discussions, he was left on the bench for the league opener in August 2023 v Ross County at Celtic Park. He came on as a sub, but his last touch for Celtic was a deflection off him for a conceded goal near the end of the game, albeit Celtic still won 4-2. He was unfortunate and not truly at fault. He never hid and always put his neck on the line in defence.
Some wits would argue that this was always going to be how his time at Celtic was going to end. Others were already arguing that Starfelt was not one that would fit into Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.
He moved to Celta Vigo in Spain for an estimated £4.5m. As the previous speciation was a move to Spartak Moscow, the move to Spain for him was a blessing as Russia was in the midst of a contentious war with Ukraine at this time.
Incredibly, Carter-Vickers and Starfelt never lost a single league match whilst they were partnered together en route to the league titles, albeit there was a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Sevco at Hampden in extra-time in the first season. With a record like that it was no wonder the support went on to have soft spot for him.
Depsite being too often at the wrong end of certain situations (especially deflections), the support grew to respect him. He had forged a very good defensive partnership with Carter Vickers, and it was in retrospect sad to see that end.
Incredibly, Carter-Vickers and Starfelt never lost a single league match whilst they were partnered together en route to the league titles, albeit there was a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Sevco at Hampden in extra-time in the first season. With a record like that it was no wonder the support went on to have a soft spot for him.
Overall, he had played a good role in the wonderful era under Postecoglu, and had helped turn Celtic around after the disastrous season prior to Postecoglou’s arrival. Domestic success (including a treble) and Champions League experience was deserved silverware for him. He undeniably had now demonstrated that he had the abilities to cope with the mental pressures that the Swedish head coach had claimed that Starfelt lacked at the start of his time at Celtic in 2021.
We wished him the best.
Post-Celtic
His time at Celta Vigo didn’t really work out, and after only one season thee were reports he was being touted back to Celtic so that Celta Vigo did not have to pay up the remainder of the transfer fee.
[…]
Quotes
“It was a very fun moment to score my first goal for the club, and fun to be back on the pitch.”
Carl Starfelt after his surprise debut goal v Kilmarnock (Aug 2022)
“I think just Celtic in general! The football, the fans, winning the title last year. Of course I like Scotland off the pitch too, but Celtic is my favourite part.”
Carl Starfelt on best part of coming to Celtic (Aug 2022)
“Carl Starfelt is a Celtic giant and bombscare branding suggests long term memory complex.”
Chris Sutton (May 2023)
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2021-22 | 34 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 49 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | 28 | 5 | 2(1) | 1 | 36(1) |
| Goals | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023-24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 63 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 86(1) |
| Goals | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
Scottish League Cup
Pictures
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Articles
Celtic confirm Swedish international Carl Starfelt signing to replace Kris Ajer
Carl Starfelt has joined Celtic from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal, the club has announced.
By David Oliver
Wednesday, 21st July 2021, 7:03 pm
The 26-year-old will fortify Ange Postecoglou’s defence which has been further weakened by the departure of Kris Ajer to Brentford. The Norwegian’s deal was confirmed at the English Premier League new boys just minutes before the arrival of the Swedish capped centre-back.
Starfelt’s deal has been much discussed over the past ten days and a clip on the player’s Instagram account hinted a move was imminent last night as he tuned in to Celtic’s 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland.
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Manager Ange Postecoglou said: “I am really pleased agreement has been reached and we are really looking forward to Carl joining up with the squad. Carl is an experienced player and someone with the attributes to be a real success at Celtic.
“He is a strong, athletic and committed defender and will add quality to our squad. I am sure he will be a player our supporters will welcome warmly and someone who will be really important for us going forward.”
Starfelt has three international caps – all picked up last season during his second season in Russia – and his deal will result in a sell-on clause for previous club IFK Gothenburg.
He will replace Ajer in the Celtic backline after a £13.5m deal was completed. The Norwegian spent time on loan at Kilmarnock but made 170 appearances at the club, becoming a key member in three of Celtic’s four consecutive trebles and even picked up the club’s Player of the Year from the disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
Carl Starfelt looks back at troubled Celtic start and speaks on Cameron Carter-Vickers future
Like many in the current Celtic squad, Carl Starfelt’s career has been reinvigorated by manager Ange Postecoglou.
By Mark Atkinson
Sunday, 10th April 2022, 8:00 am
The Swede, a summer arrival from Rubin Kazan, took a while to get going in a Hoops shirt and endured a difficult start, not least in his debut against Hearts back in August 2021.
That 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle seems a long time ago now, though. Starfelt is part of a Celtic team in the driving seat for the cinch Premiership title and a shot at a domestic treble. His fortunes have changed significantly.
“It was normal that we didn’t play our best at the beginning of the season,” admitted Starfelt. “We brought a lot of new players in and some of them didn’t get a pre-season. There were also a lot of players coming in from a lot of different countries and there were different coaches.
“So it was normal it would take a bit of time for us to adapt and also learn how to play with one another.
“Everyone has now adapted very well, we feel a lot more stable in our performances at the moment.”
So much of that is down to Postecoglou. “The manager has been really great to me,” Starfelt continued. “The biggest thing is that he’s so clear in what he wants from me.
“When we go out onto the pitch, everyone knows what’s expected of them.
“That goes for the whole team and not just for me personally. I also feel that he believes in me a lot, I’m really happy about that.”
Starfelt has built up a strong relationship with fellow centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers. The American is only contracted until the end of the season on loan – talks are reportedly ongoing about a permanent deal as Celtic are keen on activating their option-to-buy clause – and Starfelt said that he is full of admiration for the robust defender.
“Cameron has been a very good player for us and I enjoy playing with him a lot,” added Starfelt. “It is not my decision as to what will happen there but we will wait and see.”
The cornerstone of Celtic: Ange Postecoglou explains why ‘understated’ player is so important to him
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/the-cornerstone-of-celtic-ange-postecoglou-explains-why-understated-player-is-so-important-to-him-4006259
For as long as Ange Postecoglou has been in charge of Celtic, the plaudits have always been aimed at his forward-thinking players.
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Jan 2023
Celtic score lots of goals under the Australian and commit most of their team forward when attacking. It can leave them exposed and puts strain on the two centre-halves and goalkeeper that often remain as the only players left in their own half. Under Postecoglou, Celtic have won 50 of their 61 league matches, so defensive scrutiny is often not required. However, the part that Celtic’s two centre-backs play cannot be underestimated, given they are tasked with accurate passing, defensive discipline, winning one-on-one duels and staying high up the pitch.
With Moritz Jenz, Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi having been deployed at times this season, Celtic’s main duo are Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. When paired together, on 29 different occasions, Celtic have never lost on Premiership duty. That is a fine statistic. Carter-Vickers is the defender that gets most of the praise but after another clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Dundee United, Postecoglou was quick to point out the virtues of Starfelt, a 27-year-old Swede who signed from Rubin Kazan in 2021.
“Maybe externally, but internally he certainly does,” Postecoglou responded when asked if Starfelt does not get the adulation he merits. “He has been a cornerstone of our team since pretty much the day he arrived last year, he was one of the first ones we signed. You know, I guess he is a bit understated in the way he plays the game. He rarely gets beaten, he is always in the right areas and contributing both to our attack and our defence and it is a credit to him, and Cam. They have a very good understanding and I think our whole defensive work since the break has been outstanding. Led from the front with Kyogo’s pressing, but with everyone really committed to being really aggressive with our defensive work. I think that is reflected, and it gives us the foundation to play our football. Obviously the back four is a big part of that, Joe [Hart, goalkeeper] is a big part of that, but it is just collectively I think our defensive work has been really top notch.”
Postecoglou knows just how vital the Carter-Vickers/Starfelt axis is to his team. “They have a good understanding, they complement each other really well,” explained the manager. “Again they are committed to the way we want to defend. It’s not easy to defend in our team. We are constantly pushing the line, but we want to be aggressive. It means a lot of one-on-one defending, one defending without cover. You need to embrace that as a defender and be willing to put yourself on the line. They are both very, very brave in their position – as they need to be – and it is a credit to both of them.
“We certainly look at it [defence] that for us, it is the foundation we build our football on. If we are working really hard defensively, collectively, and really organised and disciplined it suffocates the opposition. It doesn’t give them time to breath and allows us to wear teams down, break them down one way or another. That’s through everyone being committed to it. We wouldn’t be the attacking side we are and score the goals we do if we didn’t have the defensive framework to fall back on.”
‘I was a little shocked’: Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic exit comments addressed by Carl Starfelt
Carl Starfelt has expressed surprise at Brendan Rodgers’ comments on the reasons for his departure from Celtic.
By Ross McLeish
Published 5th Sep 2023, 13:15 BST
Updated 5th Sep 2023, 13:15 BST
The Swedish defender left Parkhead after two seasons with Celtic to join La Liga outfit Celta Vigo in Spain. Rodgers had intimated that the main reason for the move was to be closer to his partner Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, who left Celtic Women for Sporting CP in Lisbon – “Carl’s clearly in a really strong relationship and we all make decisions based on relationships or family,” Rodgers aid – but the 28-year-old centre-half says the move was made primarily with football in mind.
Starfelt said: “It is clear that it is a plus. She [Jacyntha] and also my parents live in Lisbon, so it will be a bit closer. But above all, it was football that decided. It was maybe a little exaggerated, so maybe I was a little shocked (about Rodgers’ comments and the reaction). When you leave you get a little sentimental, even though I am convinced that I have come to enjoy myself in Spain.
“I will always be very grateful for my time at Celtic, you understand what a great club you have been a part of. I will look back on that when I retire, what good years I had there. I kept saying it would be something good for me to leave, and then this came up. They presented a good project where they want to invest and push up the table. They’ve brought in Rafa Benitez as a manager as well, so that felt like a good move to me. It’s a dream I’ve had to come to a really big league, says the centre-back and continues to pay tribute to his new coach a little extra. He is a really good coach who has been through a lot and achieved a lot in his career. You have a lot to learn from him.”