Celtic’s sheer dominance in Scottish football rewarded them a domestic ‘treble’ last season under newly appointed boss Brendan Rodgers and the ex-Liverpool gaffer is close to experiencing a similar achievement this term as well. The Bhoys are on course of winning their seventh consecutive Premiership title and the supremacy over age-old rivals Rangers FC continues since March 2012.
But the Hoops have been disappointing outside Scotland and their performance in European campaigns is quite dispiriting. Although a third-placed group stage finish led them to compete in the Round of 32 of Europa League, Rodgers’ men could not proceed beyond Zenit St Petersburg over the two-legged tie despite clinching a narrow win at Celtic Park. The Northern Irishman thus is now concentrating on building a team for the future and focusing on promoting and nurturing youth talents who are capable of serving this iconic institution in the longer run.
Celtic do not have the luxury of spending heftily in the transfer market and Rodgers, being aware of the budget constraints, has done an amazing job on a shoestring. He has encouraged the academy graduates to step up and deliver and also handed them contract boosts to appreciate the success. Norwegian youngster Kristoffer Ajer is the latest prodigy to be awarded a new deal that will see him staying here beyond 2020 when his current contract expires.
The 19-year-old centre-back was brought in by former gaffer Ronny Deila who monitored his growth minutely in Norway and used his influence to acquire the fellow countryman. Ajer was sent on loan to Kilmarnock last season to comprehend Scottish football and the spell seems to have helped him a lot to grow up as a Premiership footballer. Celtic’s injury misfortunes sidelined Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic ( their prime central defensive pair) for a lengthy period of time, but the gaffer never panicked and preferred Ajer to fill the void.
The youngster reacted splendidly by grabbing the opportunity with both of his feet and has been a revelation in the Hoops’ deep defensive unit. Although they signed in veteran Marvin Compper from Bundesliga heavyweights RB Leipzig back in winter, the former Germany international has not been able to secure a place over the young Norwegian.
The 6 ft 5 in tall defender is known for aerial supremacy inside the box, great sense of positioning along with a decent interception and tackling traits. He loves to build the game from the back with his great passing skill which makes him a defensive prodigy with the all-around ability. His rise has not been unnoticed by national team boss Lars Lagerback who handed Ajer his maiden senior call-up on Tuesday and hailed him as a future sensation to serve his nation for years to come.
“Ajer has a lot of self-esteem and confidence and is the type of character we need to be successful.
“If he really wants to, he will become a very strong player for the national team for ten or 15 years.”
A new deal for the youngster thus is a right move from the Glasgow giants who are building a team for the future comprising of the ‘next-gen superstars’.
