BUT DEFENDER HAS DISPELLED CONCERNS SIZE ON THE PRIZE
Carter-Vickers’ height worried Pressley
STEVEN PRESSLEY reckons Cameron Carter-Vickers has shown the growth at Celtic to prove size doesn’t matter.
The former Parkhead defender was instantly taken by the qualities of the USA international when he set eyes upon him as a Tottenham teenager.
Elvis had no doubts about CarterVickers’ talents to forge a successful career. However, in terms of England’s highest level, concerns around the centre-back centered only on a lack of height.
Pressley, though, says the Hoops centre-back’s impressive work and development has now made that supposed issue a non-starter.
Traits
Positional sense, reading of the game and use of the body has elevated Brendan Rodgers’ throwback defender to the top of the class in Scotland.
Pressley, who admits he had to learn similar traits from elite Maurice Malpas during his early days at Dundee United, said: “I remember watching
Carter-Vickers for Tottenham against Manchester United when he was 18.
“It was the first time I had set eyes on him and I really liked him.
“I remember being at the game and speaking to someone about him and they said, ‘Mauricio
Pochettino really likes him’.
“But, looking at him, my one concern about him in terms of English football was size.
“That’s the one thing because there are bigger, athletic players down there than there are in
Scotland.
“However, I feel his game has developed to (above, right) the point where he can use his experience and body very well in duels. “I don’t think that size aspect is such a problem for him to play at the top level now. Early in your career as a centre-back, when you don’t have that experience, it can affect you.
Doubts
“But, once you understand and learn the game, then the size can be countered.”
Pressley believes the excellence CarterVickers has shown since joining almost three years ago will have dispelled any doubts in England. He said:
“Nobody in England had doubts over his mentality, desire or ability. The size issue was also a concern. But he’s now countered that and has grown a lot as a player at Celtic. He’s playing every week, he’s developed and done well.
“He does the basics very well and people forget about that sometimes. When I look at football, anticipation is such a key factor.
“Carter-Vickers is a throwback. He anticipates things very well.
“He has been exposed to football and has developed in so many aspects.”
After his successful loan season, Celtic paid out €7million to Spurs to make the deal permanent.
Pressley said: “Celtic did well to get him on a long-term contract because I am sure there are plenty of suitors out there for him.
“When you look around, there aren’t lots of top centre-backs and that was good business for Celtic.”