Celtic earned a dominant 6-0 victory over KR Reykjavik in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League first-round qualifier.
Four different Celtic players got on the scoresheet in this fixture, as goals from Odsonne Edouard, Greg Taylor, Christopher Jullien, a brace from Mohamed Elyounoussi – plus an own goal courtesy of Reykjavik’s Arnor Sveinn Adalsteinsson – helped the Hoops to earn a place in the next round of Champions League qualification.
One Hoops attacker who featured in this game and didn’t manage to get himself on the scoresheet, however, was Albian Ajeti.
The Swiss striker moved to Celtic last week from West Ham United for £4.95m. Heading into this fixture, Hoops boss Neil Lennon confirmed that Ajeti wouldn’t start, saying: “He’s not ready to start. He’s got a bit more work to do.” However, the Northern Irish coach also shared optimism about the 23-year-old’s future ahead of this fixture, saying: “I think he’ll be a very good signing for us going forward. I think he’s a natural goalscorer.”
Ajeti was introduced to this clash in the 73rd minute and while Lennon was optimistic about the Swiss striker’s chances of making a positive impact for the Hoops in the future prior to this contest, the player made a poor first impression on some Celtic fans, who shared some criticism for Ajeti on social media following this game.
Delighted with the result tonight. Opposition very poor tbh. Imo Forrest needs a break out the team, Ajeti miles off the pace atm. El Hamed was good. And we need to find away to get Ntcham in the team. Frimpong RW and Forrest on the bench. Need a CH asap. ??
— Derekc78 (@derekc78) August 18, 2020
Ajeti’s no upto speed yet and i might be wrong but Christie wouldn’t be effective wide. I do think it’s became to comfortable for him. What’s the score with Rogic- if you say injured I’m taking hostages?
— Moe Green special (@wchalmers88) August 18, 2020
Plenty of the Hoops fans who took to Twitter to discuss Ajeti after this game shared some concerns about the player’s fitness levels.
Klimala hasn’t got it, a shaved head and tattoos a player does not make. Ajeti’s debut was comical but then he looks about as lean as I do at the minute. Probably should’ve left him on the bench ?
— RaffaeloBonaccorsi (@Raffaelopietro) August 18, 2020
Looked miserable and out of shape. Otherwise Leigh griff is our second striker all day long.
— Hoops (@Worldhasg0nemad) August 18, 2020
Ajeti needs to go running with @Leighgriff09 I think @Moielyo looking good @Oedouard22 not interested ?, We’ll done still need to play 2 up .
— HappyBhoy2.0 (@happybhoy2) August 18, 2020
Couldn’t ask for anymore than that tonight, Ajeti looks as if he needs games to get his fitness up.
— Frank63 (@frahoops) August 18, 2020
Were you disappointed by Ajeti's performance versus Reykjavik?
YES
NO
Prior to joining Celtic, Ajeti had played just 100 minutes of senior club football in 2020, as per Transfermarkt.
With that in mind, it mightn’t be too surprising that some Celtic fans believe the player did not appear to be at a great level of fitness during his time on the pitch versus Reykjavik.
However, Lennon did acknowledge that the Switzerland international is “not ready to start” before the game, so perhaps Hoops fans should wait to see more of Ajeti before criticising him too harshly.