21-year-old must be mainstay of Celtic XI, Rodgers has to start him v Rangers
COMMENT
A few interesting developments have taken place in the Celtic squad since the club’s British record domestic unbeaten run came to an end in the 4-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
Firstly, 19-year-old Norwegian Kristoffer Ajer has replaced Jozo Simunovic in the three league matches played since the loss to Hearts.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, Olivier Ntcham has once again established himself in midfield.
The 21-year-old summer signing from Manchester City found himself out of the Celtic starting line-up for a few weeks, and in that time the Hoops performances deteriorated.
In the last two games against Aberdeen and Dundee he has played a vital role, scoring the third goal which clinched the games against the Dons and providing an assist for Leigh Griffiths to score the second goal against Dundee.
Ntcham seems to be forming an understanding with Scott Brown in midfield, where they take turns to harass their opponents and win the ball back to set up attacks.
Understandably as Ntcham is far younger than Brown he gets forward more often, which is he has scored six goals so far this season, which is a good return for a midfielder.
The upcoming Old Firm match against Rangers will be won and lost in midfield, and if the Hoops want to win the game it’s vital that Brendan Rodgers starts Ntcham and establish him as a true mainstay of the side.
In other Celtic news, Brendan Rodgers was impressed by Kristoffer Ajer’s performance against Dundee.
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