What started off as a selection curiosity has become one of the early season successes at Celtic.
Kristoffer Ajer’s right-back role recently has been seen as a stop-gap to aid the lack of depth in the position. However, after a number of games, it’s become a viable way forward for Neil Lennon to pursue.
His performance at Fir Park on Saturday was absolutely exceptional. He earned man of the match plaudits from the club’s official website as well as widespread acclaim from fans on social media.
He possesses the power, pace, determination and defensive prowess to be an effective force up and down the right flank.
The 21-year-old looks as accomplished in the position as he has done at centre-back over the last six months.
Is his ability and versatility about to save the need of Celtic signing two players, if they only require one?
Do we need a centre-back and a right-back?
Critics of Celtic’s transfer window, and there have been many, will baulk at the suggestion that the club don’t need to make signings across the defence in the final weeks of August.
However, if Ajer is so adept at playing two positions, it could negate the need of signing a player and save the club millions of pounds.
There’s no guarantee a right-back of the quality Celtic need, beyond what the Norwegian offers as back-up, becomes available this summer.
Jeremy Toljan’s move to the Hoops in January was an eye-opener. A Borussia Dortmund squad member, we were hopeful Toljan could make an impact but in the end he couldn’t keep a declining Mikael Lustig out of the side. In truth, he was a rank rotten signing.
Is that typical of the standard of player on the open market?
If so, signing another centre-back and utilising Ajer more at right-back could be workable.
We have found more success signing for that central position than on the defensive flanks in recent years.
A potential way forward
Hatem Abd Elhamed looks like a solid choice to start the majority of matches on the right side.
If he becomes injured or needs rotated out then Jozo Simunovic, Christopher Jullien, Nir Bitton and a new centre-back can all fill in for Ajer in the middle, who could be moved.
In my opinion, that is enough cover in both positions unless we are significantly unlucky with injuries.
The 21-year-old has already emerged as one of the first names on the team-sheet. In two positions he has shown he can be a stand-out.
We should see that versatility as a strength and use it.
That way we can bide our time for an excellent right-back transfer option becoming available, rather than sign one for the sake of numbers.
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