Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer scored the crucial winner for the Hoops against Aberdeen at the weekend. The Norwegian has had his critics in recent months but he was integral to the away side getting the three points at Pittodrie on Sunday.
As well as a superbly taken finish, he also had to make a lung-bursting run from his own box in order to get on the end of James Forrest‘s pass. Some supporters on Twitter feel the player is not appreciated enough:
For a central defender, he is still a young boy (not even 22). However, he is a fierce competitor with a great desire to win. He is one of the few who can play multiple positions as he is just a very good footballer. One of the first names on the team sheet for me.
— Schrodinger’s Cat (@trebletrebleye1) 16 February 2020
He's been moved across the back 4 but he never lets us down,a good young player who is vastly underrated.
— frank gallagher (@frankgallaghe18) 16 February 2020
He had some excellent attacking runs against Hearts last Wednesday too.
— Mitchei (@FM2308) 16 February 2020
Agree 100%. However he has been playing out of position for so long. He's not a last-line defender – he's a midfielder who plays at the back & sometimes gets 'in a fankle'.
— JHB (@JH1949B) 17 February 2020
If the great Franz Beckanbeur was one of our centre backs he’d still have his critics. Some of our support are always glass half empty matter how well things are going. Even 10IAR will be rubbished if we fail to make it 11???
— Stevie Murray (@Steviethestud) 17 February 2020
New contract now
— Wolfe Of Parkhead ???????? (@ParkheadWolfe) February 17, 2020
While other fans remain unconvinced by Ajer:
I would still take 15 million for him like opinions from a few weeks ago.
— Steven ®️ (@stemac26) 16 February 2020
The criticism was warranted imo, He's made some errors that luckily have not led to goals.
He looks more accomplished at RB.
Switching him to RCB in the 3 might be decenr going forward.
— Belfast Bhoy (@BxlfastBhoy) 17 February 2020
It is important to remind people that the Norwegian international is still only 21 years of age. He may have been a regular first-team player for over two years, but he is still learning the game, after being converted into a defender by Brendan Rodgers.
Mistakes are bound to be made and while he has been guilty of an error or two here and there, the speed at which he has adapted to his current role must be commended.
