Celtic’s Kris Ajer decision praised by his first manager

Celtic’s latest Kristoffer Ajer decision has been praised by the Norwegian defender’s first ever senior-level manager.

Over the last two games, a few things have gone right for Celtic. After a barren run of 12 games that produced just 2 wins, they have managed to win two on the trot and will be going into this Sunday’s Scottish Cup final with some confidence as a result.

Most of the attention has gone towards the introduction of David Turnbull, Ismaila Soro and Conor Hazard. And perhaps rightfully so, because all three have performed very well and made a huge difference.

But one tactical tweak that has flown under the radar is Neil Lennon’s decision to move Kristoffer Ajer from centre-back to right-back. And the Norwegian has excelled in the role. This is not a surprise to his first ever senior manager, Mons Ivar Mjelde.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, he said:

"“Kristoffer will love the freedom of playing at right-back for Celtic. He will feel like a kid again. It’s a big pitch at the Scottish national stadium and that means there is a lot of space for him to run into!“I am told he has been excellent in that position and it doesn’t surprise me. He has the attributes. Celtic play attacking football and the full-back will play a big part in that. Kristoffer will love that. He likes nothing better than to get on the ball, move forward, show his skill and get involved.“Kristoffer is passionate and energetic — but he can also play. He has quick feet and can finish. I know the Celtic manager has adjusted his system recently but playing him as a right-back is a sensible move.”"

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Although not many would remember this now but Ajer was a midfielder when he arrived at Parkhead. He would transition to centre-back during his time in Scotland and that is what helped him to break into the Celtic first-team.

This is not the first time he has played at right-back though. He did the same in the early portions of last season as well and those were some of his best performances of the campaign.

Thus, there are calls for him to continue in the position. And it is not hard to understand why that could be beneficial to the entire team. There have been questions about the defensive side of Jeremie Frimpong’s game, and he might be more suited to playing further up the pitch, especially with James Forrest out injured.

On the other hand, it also provides Ajer with freedom to move up the pitch and he can clearly enjoys that judging by his incredible assist to Turnbull against Lille.