Celtic

Celtic: Pundit talks about Albian Ajeti ahead of the Sparta Prague clash

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Celtic pundit Danny Kelly has recently been talking about striker Albian Ajeti ahead of the club’s upcoming UEFA Europa League clash against Sparta Prague.

Kelly was a guest on the latest episode of the ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys. One topic of discussion was the striker that Celtic should play in the game against Sparta Prague in the Europa League. Kelly believes that Ajeti should start the game and not Odsonne Edouard.

Ajeti had arrived at Parkhead in the summer transfer window and he joined the club from West Ham for a fee of £4.5 million. He featured in the club’s Premiership game against Aberdeen and played against the Gers in the Old Firm derby (as per Transfermarkt).

Should Ajeti start against Sparta Prague?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Kelly believes that defenders don’t find it easy to mark Ajeti and he is able to break down defences in a quicker manner.

He said: “I would start Ajeti over Edouard. People probably think that’s an insane thing, [I] can’t wait to see the slaggings I get in the comments for that, but Edouard is the talisman of the team. He’s the big name, he’s the big draw. Every defender wants to mark him. And when I say every, that means the entire backline marks him.

“Whereas, Ajeti is seen as being good, he’s a good finisher but defenders aren’t as quick to swarm on him. At the early stage of the game, it is best to have him on because he’ll be able to break down defences a bit faster.”

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TIF Thoughts on Kelly’s comments regarding Ajeti…

Since arriving, Ajeti has found the back of the net five times in all competitions and he has also racked up two assists for the club. All five of those goals have come in the Premiership (as per Transfermarkt).

Edouard, on the other hand, had a very good record for Celtic in the Europa League last season. He contributed to five goals in six appearances in the competition. This might suggest that Celtic might have to start Edouard against Sparta Prague, as he offers the experience of having played and scored for the club in the Europa League.

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European Football Writer. Contributed for FootballItalia, Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, Calciomercato, GFFN and more.