Gustaf Lagerbielke has been recognised for his impressive performances with Elfsborg before he made the £3 million switch to Celtic, being named Sweden’s Defender of the Season.
This accolade comes despite Elfsborg’s loss to Malmo in the Allsvenskan Final.
Årets Back i @AllsvenskanSE 2024 💫
Vi gratulerar Gustaf Lagerbielke som i kväll prisades för sina insatser i @IFElfsborg1904 under våren 👏 pic.twitter.com/Mpb3xsfnFD
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) November 14, 2023
Lagerbielke’s move to Celtic was part of the club’s strategy to fill the void left by his fellow countryman Carl Starfelt, who transferred to Celta Vigo.
However, Lagerbielke’s integration into the first team at Celtic has faced challenges. The 23-year-old defender has exhibited moments of indecision and rashness, notably a sending-off against Feyenoord and a lucky escape in the game against Rangers at Ibrox.
Currently, Lagerbielke finds himself behind teammates Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Nat Phillips, and Maik Nawrocki in the pecking order for a starting position in Celtic’s defence. Stephen Welsh is yet to return from injury, which could see him move further down the pecking order.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens going forward, with the quality obviously there from the Swedish international.
