Some Celtic fans have been left talking by the latest comments Kristoffer Ajer gave about his comparisons with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Former Celtic No.2 Johan Mjallby had previously compared Ajer to Van Dijk by saying that he can ‘follow in the footsteps’ of the Dutchman.
In response to Mjallby, Ajer recently said that while it is ‘flattering’ to be compared to Van Dijk, he has a ‘lot to improve’ to reach the Liverpool star’s level.
The Daily Record relayed these comments on Twitter recently. And Celtic fans mocked Ajer for the comparisons to Van Dijk.
Not even better than Denayer yet.
— CameronStewart67 (@Cameron57380732) March 31, 2020
@hendrie_calum @KieranMcCaig1 @pmorton1980 ??? Look at this nonsense…
— Colin The Bruce (@cozzybruce1888) March 31, 2020
Needs to learn to jump, for a start. Grapples with opponents all too often. He’s the guy who needs replaced in the back three. Bitton is more effective there.
— Eddie van Coupon (@coupon_eddie) March 31, 2020
Can Ajer ever be as good as Van Dijk?
No chance!
I think he can
Can’t stay on his feet, has the attention span of a goldfish, can’t jump to win headers in the box. Never rated him 1st good offer punt him
— scott McIntyre (@scottMc85081322) March 31, 2020
Average player
— Jim Kerr (@JimKerr23) March 31, 2020
Just about EVERY area
— Martin McLaughlan (@Greaghnagore) March 31, 2020
This season, Ajer has been a regular at the back for the Hoops. He has made 49 appearances in all competitions. In the Premiership, the Norwegian has played in 28 games and has also scored three goals in the league season.
What do we think?
The fact that Ajer’s agent has already told NTB (via Sporten) that he will leave Celtic does tell us why fans would be angry at him.
But Celtic fans should know that the defender is only responding to comparisons and not comparing himself to Van Dijk. The comparisons were made by someone else and if anything, they should mock those comments instead of Ajer’s.