Rangers were this month crowned Scottish Premiership champions and in doing so, they stopped their arch-rivals, Celtic, from winning their 10th title in a row.
Steven Gerrard’s side clinched the title after having not lost a single league game this season.
The Hoops, on the other hand, were knocked out by Ross County in the second round of the Scottish League Cup and failed to qualify for the Champions League. Neil Lennon stepped down as Celtic manager last month.
Despite Celtic not enjoying a good campaign, Kristoffer Ajer believes he has had the best season since he arrived at the club in 2016.
“When you play for Celtic and the expectations are that you will win trophies, it is difficult to focus on individual achievements. But if I am only to look at my performances, it may have been my best season at the club. At least, it’s the year I have developed the most,” he told VG.
The Norway international has made over 40 appearances in all competitions, clocking more than 3400 minutes for Celtic this season. The centre-back revealed he used the time spent during the lockdown to focus on improving his game.
“I spent that time at home in Norway going through all the clips and every game I had played that season. I wanted to see what I had to do better at. Then I discovered that there was something I needed to improve: I could get too hot,” Ajer explained.
“You gain very little by throwing yourself down very early. With the speed I have, it is very rare that I have to throw myself into situations.
“Where I feel I have taken the biggest step is that I make wiser choices defensively. I could be a little hot, throw myself into tackles and try to win the ball every single time I came in such situations, but now I stand on my feet more often and make better choices.
“I take fewer chances defensively and wait more. It has made me feel more in control. I feel I have taken great strides and it is probably clear from the statistics.”
According to VG, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has advised the 22-year-old to leave Celtic and make a switch to any of the top five leagues. As per the report, AC Milan and Newcastle United have been linked with the player.
The defender will have a year left on his contract at Celtic Park at the end of this season.
VG states Ajer ‘doesn’t want to comment’ on his contract situation or the possibility of leaving Celtic in the summer.
