Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer says he is happy to be compared with former Hoops star Virgil van Dijk but he is aware he needs to improve if he is ever to reach the Dutchman’s level.
The Norwegian international outlined three key areas of his game that he is looking to make improvements in over the coming months and years:
“Of course, it is flattering to be compared to one of the world’s best footballers, but I still have a lot to develop in my game. I work hard on this every single day in Scotland. There are many areas of my game I need to improve.”
“I need to be better at judging whether to tackle to win a ball or stand on my feet, I need to be better at attacking set-pieces and I also need to get more experience.”
Supporters on Twitter agreed with Ajer that he needs to develop as a defender in order to be compared with van Dijk, and they didn’t hold back in their criticism:
Hes miles away from VVD. Average at best this season. A long long way to go.
— Mark Feely (@MarkFeely6) March 31, 2020
Not even better than Denayer yet.
— CameronStewart67 (@Cameron57380732) March 31, 2020
Not in a million years
— Martin Clark (@MartinC23269240) March 31, 2020
A formula 1 car and a go-kart comes to mind here. ??
— Garngadbhoy (@shamrockbhoy7) March 31, 2020
Nowhere near his level. He's been crap this season
— Crackerman (@mostlyceltic81) March 31, 2020
Can't stay on his feet, has the attention span of a goldfish, can't jump to win headers in the box. Never rated him 1st good offer punt him
— scott McIntyre (@scottMc85081322) March 31, 2020
Certainly ain’t useless but nowhere near VVD
— Martin Clark (@MartinC23269240) March 31, 2020
Needs to learn to jump, for a start. Grapples with opponents all too often. He’s the guy who needs replaced in the back three. Bitton is more effective there.
— Eddie van Coupon (@coupon_eddie) March 31, 2020
He couldn't lace virgil 's boots ….
— Wings 75 (@wings_75) March 31, 2020
Some of that hostility from fans relates to the fact that the 21-year-old’s agent has revealed that the defender could be set to leave the club in the summer.
Ajer still has two years remaining on his contract but the club had been in talks over the new deal and it appears that negotiations have stalled, leading to speculation that a move away from Celtic Park is on the cards.
