Celtic’s Bosnian centre-back Jozo Simunovic has been labeled “top class” by fellow defensive partner Kristoffer Ajer.
The duo have been forming a successful partnership with each other since Dedryck Boyata’s injury against Rangers. The pair have yet to concede a goal together in five games.
It’s a partnership that’s providing timely hope for next season too. In fact, it’s perhaps also taking some weight off of Celtic’s shoulders for the summer regarding their centre-back recruitment.
And it’s clear that Ajer rates his new defensive partner too. The Celtic Young Player of the Year winner spoke at length in the Daily Record about Simunovic’s attributes.
“I was really delighted for Jozo, the way he works every single day at Lennoxtown on the pitch and in the gym. He’s a top professional and someone I’ve learned a lot from.
“The way Jozo’s performing now tells you everything you need to know. He’s a top-class centre-half, he’s still young, but is already extremely experienced and has played a lot of games.
“He’s a great leader for us back there and our partnership’s working well. We’ve not conceded many goals in 2019 and we’re happy with that. We’ve been defending well and, when we’ve needed him, Bainy’s been fantastic as well.”
New manager must stick with duo next season
Celtic still have to recruit centre-backs in the summer. Both Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata look set to head off at the end of the campaign. Therefore, there will be gaping holes in the Celtic defence in terms of cover at the very least.
In saying that, however, this is the current first-choice centre-back duo. Anyone who comes in during the summer must show that they can knock either Simunovic or Ajer off their spot. The former has come in and performed to a top level since Boyata’s injury. For that, he deserves to stay there until a better option proves himself.
It’s also real proof of the hard work Simunovic has been doing behind the scenes. Ajer touched on this in his comments, and he certainly seems a lot more composed on the ball than he used to be.
Simunovic now offers a new attacking threat, and not just from the cross-ball. He’s doing what Ajer is known for and striding forward with ease. It’s forcing opposition teams to step out and open up, and has been one of the few success stories since Neil Lennon came in.
It’s going to be a big pre-season for both men. The centre-back jerseys are theirs to lose. But a new manager’s arrival could very well shake things up once more.
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