The situation surrounding Gustaf Lagerbielke at Celtic has become a topic of considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Despite looking like a relatively solid defender when he was in the starting eleven at the start of the season, the Swedish defender finds himself on the periphery of Brendan Rodgers’ plans, leading to speculation about the reasons behind his limited playing time.
A common theory posited by supporters is that Lagerbielke’s pace, or perceived lack thereof, might be a factor influencing Rodgers’ reluctance to grant him more minutes on the pitch. This conjecture raises questions about the scouting and recruitment process at Celtic, suggesting that if Lagerbielke’s speed was a known issue, his signing represents a significant oversight by the team responsible for player acquisitions.
Lagerbielke himself has expressed both his frustration and determination in light of his current predicament. “I don’t really have that [an explanation for his lack of minutes]. Right now, I feel like I’m really in the shape of my life. I am significantly stronger and faster than ever and also mentally, for a long time, I have worked up a stable foundation that provides security,” he shared to Aftonbladet.
“Then of course it’s frustrating that I don’t get to show it every week because I know I have delivered. But there is nothing else to do but keep going. I enjoy Glasgow as a city very much and Celtic is a big club. I really have great opportunities to develop here. I have good team-mates and feel that I have their trust.
“It’s been a learning time here where I feel like I’ve developed. The only thing missing is playing time. There is fierce competition and we win most matches and there are very talented players with whom I compete. So I have to go ahead and show that I’m going to play.”
It’s almost certain that the Swede will depart Celtic in the summer, and Celtic will re-enter the market for a centre half, to, most likely, come in and start alongside Carter-Vickers.
The surprising and unexpected rise of scales to CB has near enough ended the largerman Celtic career before it really had a chance to get going imo?
Certainly doesn’t seem to be in the longer term plans of Rodgers currently, that’s even if Rodgers remains in charge, to be making the decision upon the future of the largerman?
Regardless, if you take into account how the current squad is being constructed, then fail to see where the largerman can possibly fit in, beyond this season imo?
When you look at a 25 man squad, you would expect 5CB within it, and very helpful if some of the potential CB could cover in a full back position also, if that case should arise?
So with next season in mind, already got potentially CCV, rocki and Welsh in place?
Believe lawal will be added to help with the 8 homegrown rule?
Scales would remain favourite over the largerman with been left sided imo?
Yet wouldn’t totally rule out that we could well be in the market for potentially another left sided CB as things stand?
Hence fail to see where the largerman could possibly fit into the squad and keep the balance right within it imo?
However, I hope Rodgers plays the largerman alongside scales at the weekend, cause this Welsh/scales one hasn’t impressed me whatsoever when used, and shockingly poor last weekend?
Still would rate the largerman as a better player than Welsh imo?
Rodgers doesn’t seem to think the same, but Welsh holds the massive advantage with the homegrown rule, so therefore gets the position ahead of the largerman?
Hopefully that changes while we await the return of CCV and rocki imo?