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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Joe Donnelly

Celtic defender underlines key linchpin factor in Schmeichel's introduction

Kasper Schmeichel is yet to play a competitive game for Celtic, but the Denmark internationalist impressed with a string of top saves during the club's tour of America last week.

The experienced goalkeeper stood up to the likes of Chelsea's Raheem Sterling and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, after which former players and veteran broadcasters hailed his 'trademark' stop-stopping.

Other important facets of Schmeichel's game which have already become clear so far are his communication and organisation skills from the back, and the calmness with which he helps instigate attacks by playing the ball out with his feet.


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When this is underpinned by top-class shot-stopping, the 37-year-old's input is undeniable – something that was identified directly and indirectly by Stephen Welsh in his post-match interview with Celtic TV following Celtic's 4-1 win over Chelsea.

The defender said: "I thought the performance was unbelievable, and we really built on the first two games. Those games were great but I think the performance of the tournament was [against Chelsea].

"There were times where we played them off the pitch, and we were much more organised defensively. The pressing and the aggression as well, we were much better than Chelsea and I think we deserved the win and we probably could have scored another couple of goals.

"Behind that, Kasper made some amazing saves, as he did against City, so all in all we were delighted with the performance."

Celtic now have a week to recover from their trans-Atlantic exploits and prepare for Sunday's Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Sunday, August 4.

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