Former Celtic defender Vidar Riseth has tipped Ronny Deila to get the best out of Norwegian prodigy Kristoffer Ajer. The 17-year-old midfielder has been allowed to train with the club this week as Deila aims for a closer look at the 6ft 5 in player whom he has already seen playing for Start in the Tippeligaen.
Liverpool, Spurs, Roma and Rosenborg have all been credited with an interest in Ajer, who is the youngest player to captain a team in the Norwegian top flight.
While Riseth was wary of putting too much pressure on the sought-after youngster, he does believe that Delia is the kind of coach who could provide the correct tutelage on how to continue his development.
“It is the same with Martin [Odegaard] at Real Madrid,” said Riseth. “We all know his talent and we can see how much potential he has but it is not always so straightforward when you are at a top club.”
“One thing about Ronny is that he has a good track record of getting the best out of young talent and this is probably the right time for Kristoffer to think of going to the next level. Ronny is the kind of manager who can get the best out of him without putting him under too much pressure. He is sensible that way. It is also probably good for the player now to have a different challenge although I do know that there has been strong interest from Rosenburg too.
“Start are in a position where they want to sell him for financial reasons. They have struggled financially, even though they managed to stay in the top flight last season, but they are bottom of the league and the money from his sale is needed.
“I know the club and I know the supporters and it can be a great place to play football. But the important thing is to get the club back at the top level of competing with the best in European football.
“It is difficult to predict at this age that Kristoffer is one of those players who can help Celtic get to that level but he certainly has the potential to do it. His next move can be so important and a coach like Ronny who is progressive and who has a strong record getting the best out of young players would be a good move for him.”
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