Norway vs Spain was always going to be a tough ask for Kristoffer Ajer, but he came through it with flying colours.
The Celtic centre-back has been getting plenty of praise for a big performance against the Super Spaniards. Ajer was up against the likes of Rodrigo and Dani Ceballos. But despite the clear talent Spain had, a late Josh King penalty canceled out Saul Niguez’s opener.
Media outlets in Ajer’s homeland were certainly impressed with his display too. Nettavisen gave Ajer a 7/10 against Spain, and said the following regarding his performance:
“Ajer returned to the Norwegian national team on Saturday after having to miss the last matches with injury. The Celtic stopper delivered a good match for Norway and pretty much had control over the times he was challenged by Spanish stars. A good fight by Ajer.”
The result keeps Norway in with a chance of second. They’re still four points behind Sweden, but the Swedes have still to host Spain and travel to Romania too. Norway, meanwhile, also travel to Romania before a final double-header next month against the Faroe Islands and Malta respectively.
All positive for Ajer – another good display tomorrow could do the trick
It’s difficult to really know what’s been going on with Ajer since the season began. He hasn’t been woeful, but he certainly hasn’t been his usual self either.
He doesn’t lack composure on the ball, and is still an expert at clearing his lines when necessary. But, for some reason, he just hasn’t looked sure of himself since Christopher Jullien dropped in alongside him. Whether this is just down to playing with an increased level of quality or not, it’s difficult to put a finger on.
But Ajer has no need to doubt himself after his Spain performance. Ajer belongs at the top level, and he proved it once again with his display on Saturday. He may have had a part to play in the Niguez opener, but he clearly produced for his country when it mattered.
Ajer has to take that confidence into tomorrow’s clash in Romania. Another good display there, and there’s no reason he should be coming back to Parkhead and looking as ropey as he has done recently.
Finally, Ajer has some real quality alongside him at Parkhead in Jullien. This is a time when our Norwegian talent should be thriving. He remains one of our hottest young prospects, but he’s just been going through a slight dip in form.
A home game against Ross County reads nicely for him when he returns. It’s a match we should all be highly-motivated for, and, hopefully, we get a more confident Ajer when the internationals end.
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