The new Virgil van Dijk plays for Celtic
Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk has a doppleganger.
Not in the traditional sense of the word, we’re talking more metaphysically here.
Apparently the ‘new’ Virgil van Dijk is turning out for the old Virg’s side, which has a nice feel to it, and can be as good as the Dutchman in the next few years.
He’s Norwegian, too, which is handy because they’re in fashion right now.
Martin Compper thinks that Celtic man Kristoffer Ajer will be able to mix it with the best, reported Mark Hendry for the Glasgow Times.
For good measure, he also reckoned he could have the same sort of impact as RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano.
"He said: “When I played in Leipzig there was a defender Dayot Upamecano who is the same age, as quick as Kris and almost as tall, but you make the comparison.”"
The ease at which Celtic go through games in the Scottish Premier League does hold some youngsters back, added Compper, because they can get through 90 minutes without having to get out of second gear.
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"“In the Scottish league he can play at 60 or 70 percent which can make development harder and it can take more time to develop.”"
However, that shouldn’t be a problem for the starlet as he has all the raw attributes required at the highest level, continued Compper.
"“Kris has everything, the speed, the physicality and technique. He’s smart and picks up things he’s able to learn and adapt, so he has all the tools. It will come down to the tasks he gives himself.”"
Kristoffer Ajer is still only 22-years-old but it seems like he’s been around the block for a long time. He moved to Scotland from Norway in 2016, spent some time out on loan with Kilmarnock and has established himself in the first team.
He’s already played 61 times for Star but the time he moved abroad, aged just 17. Ajer has gone on to make 129 appearances for Celtic, but could go on to bigger and better things in the future.
According to the Glasgow Times article, several Premier League clubs are interested in the defender, two has two years left on his current deal.
Leicester City have been credited with interest, as have Serie A side AC Milan, and Celtic will face a battle to keep him on their books going forward.
Next. Jordan Henderson duped by fake Virgil van Dijk story. dark
If you look at his profile and the players who Liverpool have been interested in over the years, Ajer would fit the profile of a prospective transfer target.
How good would it be to see the next Virgil van Dijk and actual Virgil van Dijk playing together?