Pundit Tam McManus has recently criticised Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas for his performance in the Old Firm derby.
McManus was a guest on the latest episode of PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show and the panel discussed multiple issues involving Scottish football. One topic of discussion was the Old Firm derby that Rangers won by a 2-0 scoreline recently. McManus focused on the performance of Barkas and he had criticism for the Greek goalkeeper. He also believes that Celtic should have signed David Marshall instead.
Barkas, currently 26, was criticised by Kris Commons for his performance in the Old Firm. Commons said that the Greek goalkeeper has no presence and he doesn’t save enough shots (as per Glasgow Times). Barkas is currently valued at £4.50m.
Do you think Celtic should have signed David Marshall instead of Barkas?
Yes
No
McManus also aired criticism of Barkas and feels that the Hoops should’ve signed Marshall in the summer transfer window.
He said: “Barkas, I mean [his] first real test, I thought was Saturday against Rangers. I think he’s horrendous at the first goal. He’s got to save that. I look at David Marshall, who was available on a free transfer. [He had] 12 clean sheets in a row for Wigan at the tail-end of last season and he’s just been outstanding for Scotland. He could’ve come up on a free. [Celtic] spent £5 million on Barkas, I think it is a waste of money.”
TIF Thoughts…
Six Celtic players picked up lesser ratings than Barkas in the Old Firm derby on Saturday and he picked up a rather unimpressive rating of 6.18 (as per Whoscored).
In the Premiership, as many as 15 players have picked up better ratings than Barkas this season and it shows that his performances haven’t exactly been brilliant. While Marshall was linked with a return to Celtic in the summer transfer window, this is Barkas’ first season in Scotland and he might need more time to settle in at Parkhead.
So perhaps, Bhoys fans should be patient about Barkas and with time, he might still improve at Celtic.