Swiss reprieve for Celtic striker Ajeti as he returns to international action

By Euan Davidson

October 2, 2021

Celtic striker Albian Ajeti has received a welcome boost, having been called up by Switzerland for the upcoming international break [SFV].

Ajeti, who’s scored 3 times for Celtic in all competitions this season, has returned to the first-team in the absence of Kyogo. The former FC Basel and West Ham marksman started extremely well, bagging a brace against Ross County.

That was followed by an excellent display against Real Betis. Ajeti scored the first, then won a penalty to make it 2-0.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Ajeti has shown flashes of improvement. However, in more recent games, his lack of movement has frustrated Celtic supporters.

The striker had a gilt-edged chance from 3 yards out against Dundee United, and criticism seems to be affecting his performances.

Nonetheless, it’s a return to international duty for Ajeti, alongside Cedric Itten, on loan away from Rangers. Murat Yakin, Switzerland boss, said of his returnees [SFV]:

“With them and the other returnees, we have more and new options for the two upcoming games.

“We have 24 strong players in the squad who know that every game is now like a final. We want to get the maximum of points and thus preserve the chance for the direct World Cup qualification, always with the necessary respect for the opponent.”

Welcome boost for Celtic striker Ajeti as Switzerland call again

From Yakin’s perspective, Ajeti is one of the on-form Swiss strikers. He’s playing regular European football, and his performance against Betis shows he’s good on the big occasion.

So, it makes sense that Ajeti would return to the Switzerland side, on the form he’s in. Granted, he’s struggled over the last couple of weeks, but what this’ll do for his confidence is impossible to quantify.

The Celtic striker will be desperate to add to his single goal for Switzerland. In 11 on-pitch appearances, the last of which was in March 2020 [Transfermarkt], Ajeti has found the mark just once, in a 6-0 rout of Iceland.

If he’s used appropriately, preferably alongside an energetic striker or progressive number 10, he can score goals. We’ve seen that, albeit not quite enough.

This could be the thing that kick-starts his momentum.

Read more: “I love this”; Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou responds to critics