Former Dundee star Juan Sara has launched a firm defence of Alexandro Bernabei after the Celtic star's controversial tackle against Hearts - insisting he is perfect for the Scottish game.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was reeling after the full-time whistle at Celtic Park that the full back was not shown a red card for a tackle on Nathaniel Atkinson, claiming post-match visitors to the Scottish Premiership champions had to be "decapitated" to be sent off. VAR official Nick Walsh checked the tackle and did not send referee Alan Muir to the monitor to review the footage.
The man in the middle had opted to keep his cards in his pocket, meaning Bernabei's challenge went unpunished. Compatriot Sara insists the 22-year-old is not a "dirty player" and has the "competitive" edge to be successful in Scotland, having seen Bernabei up close in Argentina while in charge at Buenos Aires side Ferro Carril Oeste.
Sara told The Sun: “I knew all along Alexandro would be ideal for Scottish football. He isn’t a dirty player. He’s competitive, but that’s exactly what you need to be when it comes to Scottish football. I was there 20 years ago at Dundee. Things can change over time, but I believe in football in Scotland you will always need to be strong. Being able to tackle as a defender is important. Bernabei’s got that physical element, but there’s more to his game. He is what modern-day teams are looking for from full-backs. He will get forward and deliver crosses into the box.
“People in Argentina know he has a big will to win. He will need that at Celtic because the competition for places is strong, and he’s come from another country so he has to prove himself. I’m not surprised Alexandro did so well against Hearts. But like any player, he will want to play every week. That will be his next ambition, to try and play more often in the team, and then keep improving as much as possible.
“He won’t let anyone down. Celtic have so much to play for between now and the rest of the season, so it must be very exciting for him. I hope Alexandro can keep showing everyone how good a player he is. He is at Celtic to make a name for himself.”
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