Carl Starfelt facing Celtic axe after what expert has spotted
Frank McAvennie has claimed Yuki Kobayashi is a “better option” than Carl Starfelt for Celtic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said Starfelt can look “awkward” when playing on the left side of central defence because that is not his favoured position.
Kobayashi, 22, made his third start for the Celts in the 4-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday (16 April) replacing Cameron Carter-Vickers.
As quoted by GlasgowLive (16 April) Ange Postecoglou said that he made changes for the trip to Rugby Park because the pitch “doesn’t do a great deal” for certain players and he also wanted to bring in “fresh legs” for the away game.
Kobayashi slotted in comfortably in the USA international’s absence and enabled Starfelt to move to his more favourable right side of defence.
As quoted by the Daily Record after the game (17 April), Postecoglou insisted Kobayashi is up to the challenge of battling Starfelt and Carter-Vickers for a place in the starting XI.
The Australian added that the centre-back has “hardly put a foot wrong” since his arrival in Glasgow.
Kobayashi joined the Parkhead club in January from Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The defender put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the club.
McAvennie insisted the centre-back is ready to replace Starfelt in the starting XI.
“I like Kobayashi,” he told Football Insider.
He is left-sided, he plays great with Carter-Vickers. I think he is a better option than Starfelt.
“He [Starfelt] looks a bit awkward sometimes because he is not a left-sided player.“
In other news, winger set to leave Celtic after falling out with Ange Postecoglou.