Nir Bitton

Jozo's a loose cannon for me, seems far too dumb always attempts the wrong thing or makes an * of the basics. He looked to be coming on to a game at the end of last season and went 5 or 6 consistent normal games in a row. But that red card in the friendly, followed by that calamity to concede the corner and then even late on he took a ball down and rather than pass to Ajer or Bain tried to beat 2 forwards and nearly lost the ball.

To me Ajer and Bitton are pretty similar CB both ok defenders, win most headers, decent mobility, good at passing although id say Bitton is better in the air and at passing and Ajer is a better dribbler and more aggressive.

 

He has been given terrible stick because of his nationality, by some on this site and others. Nir has always given 100% for the Club. This should be acknowledged. I think he is versatile and can play both centre back and obviously defensive midfield. I think he will have a good season, hopefully injury free and mature players like him help the younger players. Give him credit.

 

I wouldn't expect Lennon to come out and say "Aye he'll play a couple of games this season, good back-up". He said something similar about Hendry in that he was excited to see him, i doubt he's going to state the obvious when talking about back-up players

 

I like Bitton and appreciate his adaptability but he can look a bit lazy at times.

 

Your right mate guy can’t help where he was born and just like * Germany not every Israelite is an evil *

 

Few people have a problem with his nationality. Some people have a problem with his military career in the IDF. Most people just recognise that he is an average football player who is content to see out his contract with minimal effort.

 

I've seen loads of people take issue with his nationality, during his time at Celtic.

 

I have only seen a few abhorrent comments that explicitly referenced his ethnicity, nationality or religion.

If people disapprove of his military career in the IDF, and his support for the IDF, that is their prerogative. The merits of those arguments are obviously best discussed in another thread.

I think that most people find it hard to take to him because he is unable or unwilling to fight for a regular starting spot.

 

Think you’re being incredibly harsh there. He’s never struck me as a guy who doesn’t give a * about his football and is just happy to collect a wage.

He’s just a squad player. He probably knows that’s his place and he’s settled here so why angle for a move?

 

Anything to use against him eh.

 

He should be challenging for a regular starting spot though. He has the talent; he showed it for a while, and that is why he was given an improved contract.

He is, without doubt, coasting to the end of his time here.

He is no Boyata or Ntcham, he is always respectful, but I do think that he could and should try harder to revive his football career.

 

Only 27 still.

Indonthink we shoulda been looking to sell, him and Ntcham and using money to strengthen elsewhere.

He does have good qualities, but 1 for me is lacking and that's fight. Personally I don't see where he fits, still not liking his centre half position, lacks commanding.

 

I've always been an apologist for the man since I attended game against Dundee on my 18th birthday where he scored a belter. My all time favourite Zionist.

 

There’s no evidence he’s unwilling to fight for his spot though.

 

Ajer is in a totally different league to Bitton in every possible way as a CB

 

For most of us nationality has nothing to do with it.. I don't think he can be faulted for effort and has had his share of injuries.

We just have better options at CB and in the midfield. He does continue to prove himself as a useful utility, happy for him to stay around this season with the amount of games we play.

 

Going out on a limb here, but I think he'll end up playing a lot more than season than people think. Lenny clearly rates him.

 

This is my point @Vertie

He was out injured for what, a year? I think if he was just concerned about picking up his wages, as opposed to actually wanting to play, he’d have been punted by now.

We just happen to have better centre mids at the club. It’s not a lack of fight that keeps him out of the team.

 

He definitely has rough edges but a better centre half than Bitton for me.

Bitton is too lightweight and too slow. Jozo is much stronger in the tackle.

Bitton' s strength is his ability to find a pass out of defence quicker. He played an excellent ball out under pressure on Tuesday which opened up their defence and led to our goal.

Overall though it is Jozo for me as he is the better defender