Since arriving at Celtic from Swedish side Elfsborg in the summer of 2023, Gustaf Lagerbielke’s time at the Scottish giants has been far from the success he would have hoped for.
The £3million signing struggled to find his footing in Glasgow, and his performances during his mere 10 appearances did not live up to expectations.
However, the 24-year-old defender is now thriving on loan at FC Twente, showing flashes of the form that once made him a promising talent in Sweden.
On Saturday, Lagerbielke was named man of the match in Twente’s 1-1 Eredivisie draw with Groningen, putting in a stellar performance that helped his side earn a crucial point.
Not only did he win a penalty in the first half, but he also completed the most passes (72) in the match, demonstrating his composure and vision from the back.
The Swedish international was also a rock defensively, winning 100 per cent of his tackles and nearly all of his duels, both ground and aerial.
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Lagerbielke’s performances in the Netherlands have certainly turned a corner after a slow start, with his FotMob stats suggesting that he has firmly made the centre-back role his own since the New Year.
The defender also provided an assist in Twente’s previous league game, further underlining his growing confidence and influence.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and the club’s supporters will be hoping Lagerbielke can continue this form and that his loan stint can serve as a springboard for his return to Scotland next season.
Whether he can make a lasting impact for Celtic remains to be seen, but there is certainly potential for him to be a solid alternative to Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales.
Alternatively, should his impressive displays continue, it could provide Celtic with an opportunity to recoup some of the reported £3m fee they invested in the defender.
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After the match with Groningen, Lagerbielke reflected on his team’s performance, admitting that Twente had probably missed out on two points.
“We came here with the intention of winning, so we missed two points,” he said.
“It was a difficult game. FC Groningen is a good team, they are very strong defensively. We needed some extra magic to make the 1-2, but unfortunately that wasn’t there. They did well in putting pressure and defending.”
The Celtic outcast also discussed the penalty decision, which he was awarded after being fouled by Thijmen Blokzijl just before half-time.
“I was pulled to the ground, so I think it was a right penalty,” Lagerbielke explained.
“I knew they were aggressive in covering at corners, so if you get past your man, you get a head chance or they’ll stop you.”
Twente are currently fifth in the league table, three points off a Europa League spot.
