Carter-Vickers v Van Dijk – Mark Guidi makes massive call on Celtic defender

Cameron Carter-Vickers has been a revelation since signing for Celtic.

In almost two seasons, I cannot think of a bad game the defender has played in.

The US international is so trusted by Ange Postecoglou that he was given the captains armband when Callum McGregor was out injured.

But what CCV has done is spark a debate on whether he is one of the best defenders we have seen at Celtic Park.

And this led journalist, Mark Guidi to make this amazing claim.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Guidi said, “He’s a hell of a part of how they play and how successful they have been.

“I think he’s the best defender in the league by a distance.

“I’d also say as well, we talk about comparisons to Brendan Rodgers team and Ange Postecoglou’s team tonight, I think one defender Celtic supporters always talk about and what he has gone to achieve is Virgil van Dijk.

“Getting a move to Southampton then the move to Liverpool.

“My own recollections of Van Dijk, when he played for Celtic, not what he has become, when he played for Celtic 10 years ago, I think Carter-Vickers is better just now in terms of where he’s at as to what Van Dijk was at 10 years ago.

“There’s no doubt van Dijk is a better defender in what he has accomplished and what he’s achieved.

“But looking back, if you’re judging at similar times in their career, if you’d offered me a pick, I would take Carter-Vickers ahead of van Dijk.”

That’s a huge call and it is one that is difficult to put a marker on. Both have different qualities at the same stage of their careers.

van Dijk strolled about the park and was very capable at running with the ball and if memory serves me correctly, he could certainly hit a dead ball. CCV is strong, a good passer of the ball and commanding in the tackle.

The issue here is that people suffer from recency bias so I am going to say both are deserving of being recognised as one of the best defenders we have seen and no, I do not have splinters in my ar*e from sitting on the fence.