Opinion

Kristoffer Ajer could be Celtic’s right-back answer

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Celtic’s Europa League exit to Valencia answered more questions than it raised, bizarrely.

The result showed that finally Brendan Rodgers knows his best system and players for non-domestic football.

Furthermore, he realised that he can rely on some of his fringe players to dig deep when the going’s tough.

However, one question mark still hangs over Kristoffer Ajer’s spot in the team.

Ajer making the most of game time

Arguably Celtic’s Man of the Match in Spain, the Norwegian put in a stellar performance at full-back.

Jeremy Toljan’s ordering off in the first half. (photo by Ivan Arlandis/Action Plus via Getty Images)

After Jeremy Toljan’s early exit for two soft bookings, Ajer was pushed wide in an unfamiliar position.

On rare occasions, the 20-year-old has played there to cover but was nothing to write home about.

However, he will have shocked a lot of fans by the performance he gave in the Mestalla.

Not only was Ajer defensively strong, but his impressive engine allowed him to be all over the pitch.

Sometimes he would drop deep to cover his teammates and other times he would make lung busting runs into the centre to start attacks.

Ajer is a shining light for Celtic in Europe. (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Players like Ajer are needed for Celtic in Europe as they are great at holding the ball up and getting others involved in attacking moves.

Potential answer to right-back problem in Norwegian?

Of course, it’s too early to say if the man brought in as a midfielder from IK Start is going to be number one choice at right full-back next season.

The Hoops have another youngster in Anthony Ralston injured and American Manny Perez to return from loan.

Tony Ralston is to come back from injury in due course. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Furthermore, if Toljan continues to impress, Rodgers may look at making the Dortmund man’s move permanent.

His defensive performance will not go unnoticed and may even get a shot in his recognised centre-back spot.

What is for sure is his guts and determination will have done the young Norwegian a lot of favour and won a lot of doubters round.