Celtic’s summer transfer window has yielded some impressive results. New signings like Arne Engels, Alex Valle, and Luke McCowan have already made their mark, while Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah are showing that last season’s loan performances were no fluke.
Yet, one move stands out above the rest – the acquisition of veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Bringing in a player in the latter stages of his career always carries risks, but Celtic appear to have pulled off a masterstroke. Schmeichel has been in excellent form since his arrival, providing the club with stability between the posts.
In seven league games, the Danish international has conceded just one goal, breaking records along the way. However, the 7-1 thrashing at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League stands out as a blot on an otherwise outstanding start.
It’s not only at club level that Schmeichel has faced challenges. His performance for Denmark has come under scrutiny following a costly error in a recent match against Spain. Martin Zubimendi capitalised on Schmeichel’s misjudgment, sealing a 1-0 win for the European champions.
Criticism Follows Schmeichel’s Error for Denmark:
The mistake has sparked criticism in the Danish media, with many commentators suggesting it’s time for the national team to bring in younger talent.
Yet, Schmeichel’s response to the criticism shows the resilience you’d expect from a player of his experience. Speaking to Bold, he explained:
“It’s one of those situations as a keeper. I didn’t see the ball to begin with. It hit Pierre and then I actually had to bet a little bit.
“It went to my left, and I didn’t manage to read the screw on the ball. And then I got a little too far over it. That’s life as a goalkeeper. That something like this can happen.
“Every time a goal is scored, I will always look back and see that there is something I could do better. If you’ve been in there, you know what it’s like. It doesn’t always look good on TV.”
Schmeichel’s poise in dealing with criticism reflects the depth of experience he brings to Celtic. Having won the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester City, the 37-year-old is no stranger to the pressures of elite football.
While errors are part of a goalkeeper’s life, Celtic fans are unlikely to worry about Schmeichel’s confidence being shaken.
His performances so far suggest that he remains a reliable presence, one who is capable of making a significant impact as the Hoops push for domestic and European success this season.