Kristoffer Ajer

This “poor patch” has lasted for a few months. Ever since that mistake against Rennes where he gave away the penalty, he’s yet to really string consistently convincing performances together.

I’ve defended him plenty in here and think some people do exaggerate how “bad” he’s been. But if we had another reliable centre half, which we should have, Ajer would and should have been given a break to recapture his best form.

Still love him and think he has serious potential. But he’s quite blatantly been making a lot of errors this season. Regressed since last season for sure.

 

brillaint goal for the winner, if only Hayes had the same composure and skill as this big guy we'd have been breathing easier sooner, you saved the day mate.

 

He actually plays better at right back than on the left side of a 3, really need Hatem back soon.

 

Some amount of exaggeration about how bad he is.


Well in big man

 

Change in system to a back 4 definitely suited him, far more comfortable there and when it opened up he took his chance.

In the right conditions we are devastating from middle to front in the 3-5-2 but I don't think it suits our defenders at all. They looked uncomfortable and jittery again today, just as they did at Fir Park in the first half.

Been said before but if we're sticking with it then Ajer should be the RCB.

 

Elhamed will be nailed on for the RCB spot, I think he'll be cracking there

 

Aye, he's ideal for there. Mobile, aggressive, composed.

 

What a finish that was, baws kf steel.

 

I live rent free in your head.

 

* class

 

While he had been poor for the past few months, his last few games he’s been solid

 

Hes a guy who came in as a 17 year-old and already played midfield and forward, as well as captaining the team, for a small Norwegian side. He came here, obviously highly regarded, as a midfielder. The rat(I'm assuming) decided, quite rightly in my opinion, that with his raw attributes, he had to learn to play centre back if he was to make it at a high level.

To his credit, despite being reportedly chased by some really top clubs before Ronny snapped him up, he took ok the challenge of an ultimately success loan move to Kilmarnock, playing at centre back. Comes back here, bides his time and finally breaks into the team half way through Rodgers and season and he hasnt looked back. He's went from strength to strength playing in a back two. He has adapted tremendously well.

This season, his form has taken a dip and he's not yet adapted to playing in a back three, but there cant be any doubt that this is just a periodic dip in form. He will adapt like he did before and he'll learn, like he's been doing throughout his time here.

As for those saying he isnt a natural centre half, what is he then? Hes quick, he brings the ball out from the back better than anyone in the country, strong in the tackle. Aye positioning could be better at times, he doesnt attack the ball in the air well enough, but hes 21 ffs. He may not have trained as a centre half all his career, but the steps he has made in 3 years is outstanding and will only get better in time with the attributes he has. He's still younger than Virgil was when he joined us (no I'm not suggesting he'll be as good). He's arguably our most valuable asset, outwith Edouard.

Give him a break.

 

People forgetting that we had Boyata at CB before Ajer got in the team?

He's made a few errors but overall he contributed more positive than negative, admittedly hasn't looked as consistent as last season but ultimately he's better than Jozo and Bitton even when he's not at his best.