اتحاد الكرة: إيهاب جلال لم يحصل على الوقت الكافي لتقديم أداء جيد مع منتخب مصر

أكد جمال علام رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، أن إيهاب جلال المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر لم يحصل على الفترة الكافية لمعرفة اللاعبين للظهور بمستوى جيد مع الفراعنة.

منتخب مصر يستعد لمواجهة إثيوبيا، مساء اليوم الخميس، في إطار الجولة الثانية من مواجهات المجموعة الرابعة من تصفيات أمم إفريقيا.

وقال علام خلال تصريحات لبرنامج “ملعب أون تايم” على قناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “إيهاب جلال يُقدر قيمة الضغط المُلقى عليه، وشعرنا به في مباراة غينيا، سنلعب المباراة القادمة خارج بلدنا، وأعرف شعوره بأنه مدرب جديد لم يحصل على الفترة الكافية ليتعرف على اللاعبين”.

طالع | إيهاب جلال: نواجه حظًا سيئًا أمام إثيوبيا بسبب غياب رباعي منتخب مصر

وأضاف: “هو يمتلك فكرة عن إمكانيات اللاعبين، ولديه ثقة في نفسه بجانب أن اللاعبين لديهم إصرار على أداء مباراة جيدة”.

وأتم: “لاعبو منتخب مصر حصلوا على جزء من مستحقاتهم وسيحصلون على الجزء الثاني في الفترة المُقبلة”.

وكان منتخب مصر انتصر على غينيا بهدف دون رد، في مباراة الجولة الأولى من منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لكأس الأمم بكوت ديفوار.

Denis Zakaria: Arsenal’s next Vieira?

Arsenal are among the teams interested in signing Denis Zakaria this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sport Bild’s Christian Falk, who claimed on Twitter that the Gunners were “in talks” with Borussia Monchengladbach over a potential swoop for the 24-year-old midfielder.

However, the North London giants are facing stiff competition from a whole host of clubs, including arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, fellow Premier League outfit Everton and two Serie A clubs in Napoli and AS Roma.

No fee has been mentioned by the reporter but Transfermarkt currently values him at around £27m.

Shades of Vieira

Zakaria has been compared to some very interesting players throughout his career, including former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, so perhaps their interest should come as no surprise.

“I’ve been compared to [Patrick] Vieira and [Paul] Pogba – two more players I really respect and, in a way, see as role models. When I watch videos of them I think I’d like to play that way,” the Switzerland international once revealed to Bundesliga.com.

But could he genuinely become the Gunners’ next defensive midfield animal? There’s reason to be very hopeful.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Zakaria has a similar frame to that of the ex-France midfielder and just like him, he covers a lot of ground and does the so-called ‘dirty work’ that many shy away from.

Throughout his domestic and international career, the Gladbach powerhouse has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions every 90 minutes, whilst only being dispossessed once per game, too, as per WhoScored.

Furthermore, a career passing accuracy of 86.5% suggests that he’s very confident on the ball and can often be the key cog between the defence and the attack.

It’s no wonder the Swiss star has been dubbed a “complete package” and a “rare talent” by GIFN editor Kaustubh Pandey, whilst he has earned even further comparisons to Toni Kross.

A perfect mix of physically imposing power and a deft touch, Zakaria could well become the Gunners’ next Vieira, should technical director Edu Gaspar win the negotiations to sign him before the August 31st deadline.

His qualities may well be required with the injured Thomas Partey facing a stint on the sidelines.

Arsenal must look to secure the Gladbach monster this month.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer claim, fans will be buzzing…

Kieswetter and Durston save Somerset's blushes

Jacques Kallis will play no part with the bat or in the field on the second day of South Africa’s opening tour match against Somerset at Taunton

Andrew Miller at Taunton30-Jun-2008South Africa 515 for 3 dec (Amla 172, Kallis 160*) and 56 for 1 (McKenzie 37*, Boucher 3*) lead Somerset 249 (Kieswetter 67, Durston 61) by 322 runs
Scorecard
Morne Morkel: rattled the Somerset top order © Getty Images
Morne Morkel made light of a turgid pitch and led South Africa’s attack with three wickets, as Somerset were bowled out for 249 inside 60 overs to concede a whopping first-innings deficit of 266 on the second day at Taunton. By the close, South Africa had reached 56 for 1, with Neil McKenzie picking up his first runs of the tour after his first-ball duck on Sunday, and Mark Boucher unbeaten on 3. The only wicket to fall was JP Duminy, whose dismissal had a distinctly South African ring to it, caught Craig Kieswetter bowled Zander de Bruyn for 15.Kieswetter, who was born in Johannesburg but has held a British passport since birth, was one of two Somerset players who rose to the occasion against their classy opponents. The other was Wes Durston, who was last week playing minor county cricket for Wiltshire, but now found himself repelling a bowling attack that, with the exception of the absent Dale Steyn, is the same that will turn out against England at Lord’s next week.Kieswetter and Durston made 67 and 61 respectively, and rescued Somerset from potential humiliation after Morkel and Andre Nel, armed with the new ball, had instilled panic in the top order. Neither man, however, was able to emulate the South African batsmen, and translate his start into substance. Durston played round a straight ball to give Morkel his third wicket, and Morkel was involved again, this time on the midwicket boundary, when Kieswetter hoisted a short ball from Makhaya Ntini straight into his hands.Somerset’s tail did hang around gamely, with Steffan Jones and Andrew Caddick contributing a pair of hard-hitting 20s before the spinner, Paul Harris, picked off the final two wickets, but their innings was fatally undermined by two run-outs at the top of the order. The first occurred right on the stroke of lunch, when Durston ran the ball down to McKenzie at fine leg, and settled immediately for two runs. de Bruyn, however, had his heart set on a third, and was sent on his way without facing a ball as Harris whipped off the bails with both batsman at the opposite end of the pitch.Durston responded with great self-confidence, middling two pulls for four off Makhaya Ntini to bring up Somerset’s hundred in only 22 overs. But then, the run-out jinx struck again, as Durston cut Andre Nel for two, and it was Peter Trego this time who paid the price for over-optimistic running as the substitute, Robin Peterson, pinged the shy back to the bowler’s end.At 104 for 5, embarrassment loomed, but Durston and Kieswetter did at least salvage some pride, with Durston bringing up his fifty from 63 balls in fine style with a six over long-on off Harris. He was instrumental in denting Morkel’s figures in an expensive post-lunch spell, but eventually got carried away as he attempted to flick a full ball through midwicket. Morkel’s other two wickets had come in the morning session, the first with a beautiful yorker that burst through Arul Suppiah’s defences for 16, and the second one over later, when James Hildreth played forward outside off, and was bowled off the inside edge for 0.South Africa’s other victim was the opener Neil Edwards, who was surplus to Somerset’s requirements during the Twenty20s, but appeared to be auditioning for next year’s event as he crashed five fours and a pulled six in a frenzied 17-ball 28. His aggressiveness eventually proved his downfall, however, as he pushed hard outside off at Nel, for Prince at third slip to cling onto a comfortable chest-high edge (35 for 1).For South Africa, the day was slightly overshadowed by concerns surrounding Jacques Kallis’s elbow injury, but his absence was not felt by his team-mates. After resuming on their overnight 455 for 3, they added 60 more runs in the first hour before the mandatory declaration at the 100-over mark. Prince batted with particular fluency, and had enough time to become the fourth South Africa to pass fifty in the innings, from 69 balls with seven fours, while AB de Villiers finished not out on 47.

Após marcar na Libertadores, Rodinei esbanja felicidade: 'Um dos melhores dias da minha vida'

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória sobre a Católica na última quarta-feira, o Flamengo iniciou nesta quinta a preparação para a final contra o Fluminense no Campeonato Carioca. Apesar de foco já estar no domingo, Rodinei lembrou do jogo da Libertadores e comemorou o gol marcado contra os chilenos. Segundo ele, foi um dos melhores dias da sua vida.

– Como eu coloquei no meu Instagram, com certeza foi um dos dias mais felizes da minha vida. Ainda não acreditei que fiz um gol de canhota, no Maracanã lotado. Vejo as mensagens ainda do lance e consegui fazer um belo gol.

– Sabe como é, eles falaram que o gol mais bonito foi com chute errado. Tenho que aturar. Bom fazer o gol, ajudar os companheiros e dar alegria a essa nação maravilhosa – completou o camisa 2 falando sobre as brincadeiras dos companheiros de grupo após o gol.

Rodinei também projetou o duelo contra o Fluminense e afirmou que time não entrará em campo visando o empate. Lateral espera jogo difícil e pede concentração para que o Flamengo consiga sair do Maracanã como o campeão carioca de 2017.

– O estilo de jogo do Flamengo não busca nunca pensar no empate, sempre na vitória. Vi que os nossos ingressos estão esgotados, vamos buscar a vitória e o gol. Se no final for empate, vai ser útil. Eles vão vir para cima da gente e vamos estar concentrados para dar esse título para essa torcida que merece.

Por fim, o lateral-direito falou sobre a chance de jogar contra o San Lorenzo, na última rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores, na Argentina, já que Pará está suspenso por ter levado o terceiro cartão amarelo contra a Católica.

– Temos que estar preparados, temos que provar o nosso valor e porque merecemos estar jogando aqui no Flamengo. Vou ter a oportunidade de jogar contra o San Lorenzo e vou ajudar os meus companheiros.

RelacionadasFlamengoNa estreia do Brasileirão, Fla e Galo irão se enfrentar no MaracanãFlamengo04/05/2017Futebol NacionalDirigente do Flamengo ironiza tricolores, mas clube publica retratação: ‘Mensagem indelicada’Futebol Nacional04/05/2017Futebol NacionalFlamenguistas fazem campanha na web para liberar setor e tricolores rebatemFutebol Nacional04/05/2017

Ceni fala em criar novas alternativas e diz que reforço agora só de peso

MatériaMais Notícias

Rogério Ceni disse nesta sexta-feira que tentará reduzir o elenco do São Paulo para a sequência da temporada e que a chegada de reforços depende da qualidade. O treinador falou em receber apenas “nomes de peso”. Ele gostaria da contratação de um meia e de um atacante, mas não apenas para somar. Há pouco, chegaram os atacantes Morato e Marcinho, destaques no Paulista.

– Devemos até diminuir um pouco nosso elenco. Se existe a possibilidade de algum reforço, alguém de peso, a gente estuda o caso. Senão, o elenco é esse que temos – declarou o treinador, em entrevista coletiva.

RelacionadasSão PauloApós eliminações, São Paulo leva jogos como exemplos para temporadaSão Paulo27/04/2017São PauloElenco do São Paulo finaliza testes físicos e inicia treinos com bolaSão Paulo27/04/2017São PauloPratto comenta briga no Uruguai e cita Felipe Melo: ‘Está em todas’São Paulo27/04/2017

Chateado com as duas eliminações do São Paulo, Copa do Brasil e Campeonato Paulista, o treinador disse com quantos jogadores pretende trabalhar para a disputa da Copa Sul-Americana e Campeonato Brasileiro a partir de maio. No momento, ele possui 33 jogadores, mais jovens da base que eventualmente compõe o grupo.

– Não para o rendimento da equipe, mas pelo rendimento do trabalho no dia a dia. A posição de goleiro deixo à parte, são os quatro, mas acredito que podemos trabalhar com 25 jogadores de linha, contando que sempre há suspensos, lesionados, e trabalhando com categoria de base, para trazer um ou outro jogador para fazer parte de determinado jogo. Nós trabalhos com um time inteiro de sub-20, fora as duas semanas que passei em Cotia. Todos os jogos que passei lá, já temos noção. Então são 29 com goleiros, um a mais um a menos. Para que eles se sintam motivados, e a gente dê uma atenção maior – analisou o comandante.

Ceni disse que usará as duas semanas de treino que ganhou após as eliminações para tentar criar novas formas de jogo. Ele falou em alternativas para furar times que jogam na retranca. Descartou, pelo menos num primeiro momento, mudar o esquema.

– Temos um estilo de jogo, principalmente contra equipes de linha baixa, defensiva. Não só a gente como qualquer equipe do mundo tem dificuldade de finalizar, chegar à área contra equipes assim. E vamos tentar melhorar o índice de chutes, finalizações, chegadas às laterais, contra equipes de marcação atrás do meio de campo. Temos de encontrar alternativas para melhorar poderio ofensivo nesse sentido, tentar sofrer menos contra-ataques. Para isso, estamos tentando encontrar alternativas. Se vamos encontrar, vamos descobrir só daqui duas semanas – disse.

O treinador falou antes do treino desta sexta-feira. Na sequência, comandou um trabalho técnico depois tático com portões fechados. O São Paulo volta a campo no próximo dia 11 para o jogo de volta da primeira fase da Copa Sul-Americana contra o Defensa y Justicia (ARG) no Morumbi. A estreia no Brasileiro é dia 14 contra o Cruzeiro.

Confira abaixo outros trechos da entrevista de Ceni:

Por que fechar treino tão distante dos jogos?
A segunda parte é tática, já visando dois jogos, Defensa y Justicia. Temos ausências, depois suspensão, caso do Cueva que não pode jogar o Brasileiro, caso do Maicon que não enfrenta o Defensa. E a gente trabalha a parte tática tentando evoluir, melhorar os quesitos que deixamos a desejar na primeira parte.

Como trabalhar o psicológico do time após as eliminações?
Gostaríamos de estar jogando, domingo e domingo. Temos essa semana de intervalo, e é boa para trabalhar. Não são necessárias duas semanas, como fizemos. Mas como ficamos fora do Paulista, ganhamos esse tempo. Temos de trabalhar formas diferentes de jogos. Na pré-temporada tivemos uma forma, e agora com a chegada de novos jogadores, temos que ter variações para jogar.

Time sentiu fisicamente?
Fizemos os testes na quarta, e terminamos ontem no período da manhã. E alguns jogadores, principalmente os de lesão, terminaram numa condição física mais baixo do que os demais que conseguiram se manter na média, então vamos tentar fazer trabalhos individualizados para quem precisa de força muscular, os que precisam de resistência, quem ficou machucado, e aumentou o peso, estamos tentando fazer além do trabalho normal do campo, em alta intensidade, fazer junto com todos um trabalho individualizado para cada caso que esteja desproporcional.

Formação de elenco
Um clube tem que ter uma espinha dorsal com jogadores mais experientes, mais rodados, com certeza experiência no futebol, rodados. E quando você não tem a possibilidade de ter determinado atleta com característica, você tenta achar na base. Leva um pouco mais de tempo para formá-lo, mas é uma alternativa que a longo prazo traz benefício interessante. Cada caso é um caso diferente. Alguns estão sendo muito utilizados, como Júnior e Araruna. O Araújo foi muito utilizado, e tem outros, como o Lucas que voltou de lesão. Não pode ainda render. Para dar ritmo a esses jogadores para observar. Com algum elenco tão grande. Mesmo nos treinamentos para dar uma atenção maior, você precisa ter esse intercâmbio. Você vai observando os jogadores e no dia que precisar de uma pessoa para cada posição, você já sabe o que ele vai precisar.

Como está a vida de técnico?
Muito parecido com o que idealizei. A única diferença é que você não consegue entrar no campo. Isso muda a cabeça da gente. Está sendo altamente satisfatório participar dessa função. Acho que a gente cria muita expectativa de título e vitória a todo tempo, e nem sempre você consegue entregar isso, isso te frustra um pouco. Como treinador você assume os demais, a maior parte da responsabilidade. É uma frustração. Mas em compensação, a evolução que a gente vê no dia a dia, o aprendizado, e a gente consegue cada vez mais lidar melhor nos treinamentos, como se portar, a equipe no campo, variações. Mas pelo que tracei, talvez por ter vivido no campo também, é muito próximo do que imaginei

Jogo contra o Cruzeiro em Belo Horizonte é referência?
Jogamos muito bem, sim. É um jogo que serve de referência, que temos de levar para a frente. Não só pelo resultado, claro que é melhor quando ganha. Mas eu valorizo muito a produção e naquele dia produzimos bastante.

Liverpool fans bemoan referee appointment

A number of Liverpool supporters are unhappy that Andre Marriner will take charge of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Norwich City.

The Reds faced their last game of pre-season on Monday night, beating Osasuna 3-1 at Anfield to finish their summer in style.

It has been a productive spell for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who look refreshed after a tough 2020/21 campaign and appear ready for a title challenge.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Liverpool’s Premier League season gets underway this weekend, with a trip to newly-promoted Norwich to look forward to on Saturday evening.

It has been confirmed that Marriner will referee the contest at Carrow Road, with his last Reds match the 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United back in April.

He also refereed the draw at Fulham and defeat away to Southampton last season, meaning Liverpool didn’t win with him in charge during the league campaign.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with Marriner appointment

These Reds fans took to Twitter to react to the news, with many unhappy about the announcement.

“Marriner hates Mane and Salah”

Credit: @LFC1892Juni

“God”

Credit: @veemr_

“Oh my god”

Credit: @AsaanK

“The worst of the lot”

Credit: @Ethangould9LFC

“And so begins my weekly complaining of the refs selected for our game, Knowing full well that there isn’t an option I would ever be happy with”

Credit: @danjones_101

“May as well forfeit the game and let the team have the weekend off”

Credit: @URBANCHIMPY1969

In other news, some Liverpool fans have raved about one player’s performance during pre-season. Find out who it is here.

Flintoff recall unlikely for first Test

Geoff Miller, England’s national selector, has given the strongest hint yet that Andrew Flintoff won’t be included in the squad for the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s on July 10

Cricinfo staff02-Jul-2008
Andrew Flintoff is likely to be given more time with Lancashire before an England recall © Getty Images
Geoff Miller, England’s national selector, has given the strongest hint yet that Andrew Flintoff won’t be included in the squad for the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s on July 10.Flintoff has made his first-class comeback from a side strain in the current Championship match against Sussex, at Hove, bowling 34 impressive overs without taking a wicket. After failing with the bat in the first innings he guided Lancashire to an eight-wicket victory in the second with 62 not out, his first first-class fifty since May last year. But regardless of that performance, it still appears he will be given more time with Lancashire, who play their next Championship match against Hampshire during the first Test.”It’s plain for everybody to see where he’s at: the work he has put in has been absolutely fantastic but there is bat form to consider, he will want some runs, and a few more miles in his legs as well,” Miller told the Press Association.”We have just picked for this first Test match because obviously Fred [Flintoff] is in a situation and there is a chance for us to have another look at that. We are not sure where we are beyond that first Test match.”The likely omission of Flintoff marks a more cautious approach from the selectors, who were ready to bring him back against New Zealand in May before he picked up his side strain against Durham. But with four high-pressure Tests in five weeks, followed by a Twenty20 and five ODIs, it makes sense not to rush Flintoff back into the international arena.It therefore means an unchanged 12-man squad is due to be named on Thursday at Lord’s, paving the way for the same final eleven for the sixth consecutive Test which would be a new record. Ian Bell, with a double century, and Alastair Cook, with 95, have found some timely form in the current round of Championship matches, while Chris Tremlett, the extra player for the final two Tests against New Zealand, has been in consistent form for Hampshire recently.Michael Vaughan has provided England with an injury scare after feeling a twinge in his knee during the match against Durham. He was seen flexing his knee during his 72 in the second innings and then received ice treatment instead of taking the field. However, Miller said it won’t lead to any batting cover being named tomorrow.”I was with Michael yesterday and I think everything is under control with him,” he said. “There was a kind of minor thing but we have got on top of it. Even so, if anything crops up, we don’t need to pick players as cover because we know the people that would come in and we know where those people are.”Along with the Test squad, Miller will also name a provisional 30-man party for the Champions Trophy, which is due to be held in Pakistan during September. It will be an opportunity to see who the selectors are keeping an eye on around the county circuit, and a squad of 30 often throws up the odd interesting name.Graham Napier’s 152 off 58 balls in the Twenty20 got tongues wagging, but he hasn’t produced consistent form for Essex. The likes of Sajid Mahmood, Matt Prior, Adil Rashid and Graham Onions will be in the shake-up, while Simon Jones’ form could earn him his first squad call-up since the India tour in 2006.Test squad (probable) Michael Vaughan (capt), Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Tim Ambrose (wk), Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson, Monty Panesar, Chris Tremlett

قائمة منتخب مصر لمباراة كوريا الجنوبية.. إيهاب جلال يضم 23 لاعبًا

أعلن إيهاب جلال المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر قائمته استعدادًا لمواجهة كوريا الجنوبية وديًا على ملعب سول.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع كوريا الجنوبية، يوم الثلاثاء المقبل الموافق 14 من شهر يونيو الجاري، وذلك استعدادًا للمرحلة القادمة.

ويرافق البعثة من مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة خالد الدرندلي نائب الرئيس، والذي يتولي مهام رئيس البعثة، ومحمد بركات عضو مجلس الإدارة.

طالع | اتحاد الكرة يعلن قراراته بعد الاجتماع الطارئ عقب الخسارة من إثيوبيا قائمة منتخب مصر لمباراة كوريا الجنوبية الودية

حراسة المرمي: محمد الشناوي – محمد أبو جبل – محمد صبحي – محمود جاد.

خط الدفاع: محمود الونش – محمود علاء – باهر المحمدي – ياسر إبراهيم – أيمن أشرف – كريم حافظ – عمر جابر – عمر كمال.

خط الوسط: أحمد حمدي – مهند لاشين – عمرو السولية – محمد مجدي أفشة – محمد إبراهيم – أحمد سيد زيزو – أحمد رفعت – إبراهيم عادل – مصطفى شلبي.

خط الهجوم: مصطفى محمد – أحمد عاطف.

وكان منتخب مصر قد نال الهزيمة علي يد إثيوبيا بهدفين دون رد، في المباراة التي أقيمت الخميس الماضي، في إطار منافسات تصفيات أمم إفريقيا.

Multan to host Pakistan squad's practice matches

Multan will host two day-night practice matches between members of Pakistan’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad on August 8 and 9 after heavy rains forced the venue to be shifted out of Lahore

Cricinfo staff07-Aug-2008Multan will host two day-night practice matches between members of Pakistan’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad on August 8 and 9 after heavy rains forced the venue to be shifted out of Lahore. The matches will provide an opportunity for the players to impress the national selectors ahead of the August 11 deadline for naming the final squad.Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt have decided to give the camp a miss, while Yasir Arafat is busy with his county commitments, which means that the teams will be formed from among the remaining 27 players.The Champions Trophy starts September 11.The two teams will be picked from the following :
Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul Haq, Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif, Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Bazid Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Hafeez, Mansoor Amjad, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Mohammad Ali, Iftikhar Anjum, Sohail Khan, Abdur Rauf, Wahab Riaz, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Aamer, Kamran Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal

Carl Starfelt standing out for Celtic

Celtic might not have removed all of the rubble from a dismal 2020/21 campaign at Parkhead but Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys team look like they’re on the right track again.

The Hoops have secured three consecutive wins, scored 13 goals in the process and kept successive clean sheets. They have also moved into the next round of European qualifying after a 7-2 aggregate win over Czech opposition Jablonec.

The performance last week in their 4-2 victory was swashbuckling, but while the offensive play was again dominating on Thursday night, it was a more professional performance at the back in their 3-0 win.

Joe Hart made some top-class saves to prove his worth to the club after arriving from Tottenham, and together with Carl Starfelt, they look like they could be a phenomenal partnership.

Starfelt hasn’t had the easiest of rides since arriving at Parkhead but the big Swedish defender showed signs of stealing the show last night, putting in a combative and elegant performance.

He’s attracted criticism in his opening few matches in Glasgow, with a bizarre back pass towards Scott Bain almost costing Celtic a goal in their defeat to Hearts.

The Swede was fortunate not to give away a penalty against Jablonec this week, but otherwise it was an impressive display.

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We know that Starfelt is a fantastic passer of the ball and that was apparent on Thursday evening as he completed a whopping 91% of his passes in front of a raucous Parkhead crowd. Furthermore, the centre-back won back possession on nine occasions, the second-highest number by a Celtic player.

Speaking at full-time on A Celtic State of Mind, Paul John Dykes was keen to praise him: “Starfelt had his best game in a Celtic jersey so far,” he began.

“He might have given away a penalty and got away with that one but he’s starting to look like the player we thought he was when he first came in.”

Dykes concluded: “He’s got a bit of Tony Mowbray about him. He reminds me of Tony Mowbray with the way he moves about the park.”

Although there was a slight mishap, the Swede was much improved beyond that and looks as though he could be a real find for the Hoops.

After a turbulent start to the new campaign for Nir Bitton, it will delight Postecoglou that he can now rely on Starfelt and Stephen Welsh to set the tone at the back.

AND in other news, Celtic must sign 25-goal “great talent” who could become “better” than Henrik Larsson…

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