Former Celtic ‘keeper Vasilis Barkas made his first appearance for FC Utrecht since joining the club on a permanent basis this summer. The Greece international spent 2022/23 with the Eredivisie side on loan from Celtic and after impressing, the move was made permanent.
On the opening day of the fresh campaign, Barkas unsurprisingly started as Utrecht travelled to face last year’s runners up, PSV. An eventual 2-0 defeat wasn’t that much of a shock although for Hoops’ fans, some of the number one’s actions between the sticks were.
As the hosts lay an onslaught to the visitors’ goal, Barkas had to be on top form and it is fair to say he was. Rushing out of his goal in a one-on-one situation, the 29-year-old made a smart stop as the attacker tried to chip him.
The ball then fell to a red shirt outside of the box and tracking back to his line, Barkas pulled off a remarkable, acrobatic stop:
https://x.com/thegreatone1986/status/1690985986312806400?s=46&t=emTsSMtujhZFhponevT3cw
It is fair to say Barkas never disclosed any of this type of form at Celtic. For numerous reasons, though, his move to Glasgow never worked out. Now, he is thriving elsewhere as the Scottish champions continue their hunt for a new number one this summer.
