28 Jun 2018 19:52:30
There have been a lot of knockers regarding the ability of Boyata but what we have seen in the second half of the season and during this world cup tournament is a player who can concentrate and cut out the mistakes he had been making at the start of last season. Added to the fact that he is a goal threat at set pieces I for one hope he signs an extended contract 🙂.
28 Jun 2018 20:25:14
If he could replicate this form for us then we’d all love to keep him but he seems to be far more error prone in a Celtic jersey and unless that changes he could win this World Cup and it wouldn’t make too much of a difference.
28 Jun 2018 20:54:28
He seems more comfortable in the middle of a back three.
28 Jun 2018 22:14:10
Having quality alongside him obviously helps as well. It’s a different kettle of fish when you’re next to Ajer who’s still learning or Jozo who also has a howler in him.
{Ed007's Note - Shouldn't Boyata be the calming influence in our defence then, Kev? With his experience - and remember he's 28 later this year - he really should shine in Scotland at least. I stick up for big Dedryck a lot and have said for years if he doesn't over think what he's doing he'd do us a turn but a couple of decent performances in a World Cup against three diddy teams isn't making me think he is the rock upon which we should build our defence.
It's just MOTD fever, it's pointless judging any player positively or negatively over a couple of games at international level, would you want Celtic to sign Messi on his World Cup performances, Lewandowski, Mo Salah or Tam Rogic?}
28 Jun 2018 21:26:47
This seems to be a guy who is playing for a move and totally focused on not making any silly mistakes and it makes you wonder how he couldn't show that concentration and focus every game for us.
It's true that he can be a good defender- when he wants - but over the piece he has made a lot of basic errors and howlers in Hoops.
28 Jun 2018 23:09:07
How can kevbhoy mention Boyata and Ajer and suggest Ajer is dragging him down.
He has had nothing to do. Poor opponents.
Not to mention a young Ajer has carried him most of the season.
28 Jun 2018 23:54:00
Totally agree Ed. He should be the calming influence who organises the others at Celtic but he just doesn’t seem to have it in him unless he knows there’s somebody better around him to bail him out if required.
{Ed007's Note - Ajer seems to shoulder the responsibility for the 2 CB's and next to Boyata that shouldn't be the case.}
28 Jun 2018 23:56:56
@Tesla369 I didn’t say Ajer was dragging him down. I said Ajer is young and still learning so whoever is alongside him has to be mindful of that. There’s no doubt that playing alongside better players has made Boyata look more relaxed and confident during this World Cup.
29 Jun 2018 18:56:57
Ed007 . I have consistently praised Boyota and fair play to yourself you have praised him much more than you criticised.
As far as Ajer is concerned exceptional footballers can come through to the top in club football at 20/ 21.& Ajercould very well be one of these very gifted players.