Not all Celtic fans have a lot of kind words to say about ex-Hoops manager Ronny Deila. The Norwegian manager had domestic success at Parkhead but his side performances in Europe with the club and in big games in general left many fans happy to see him leave the club when he did.
Deila also brought in many bum signings in the likes Colin Kazim-Richards, Carlton Cole, and Gary Mackay-Steven. And in fact, of all the former Hoops boss signings, only a handful are still with the club. Other players have proven to be successful in person of Craig Gordon.
But in the long run, the one player the Scottish champions will surely have Deila to be thankful for is his compatriot Kristoffer Ajer. Originally signed as a midfielder, Ajer has quickly developed into an aggressive central defender.
Deila was integral to the signature of his compatriot signing from IK Start and many were concerned about what his development could be when his compatriot left Celtic. But Brendan Rodgers, taking over the reins of the club from Deila, has given him a chance and the 19-year-old has more than proved himself worthy of a place in the Celtic first-team.
Ajer’s form this season has even seen another Deila’s signing, Erik Sviatchenko, head out on loan after failing to get back in the first-team picture.
Deila did a lot wrong and a lot right at Celtic. Ajer falls into the latter category and could even be at the very top of it.