Kristoffer Ajer’s Valencia performance proves he can step up when Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic leave Celtic

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Celtic may have crashed out of the Europa League last night but they can hold their heads high after an impressive second-leg performance.

The Bhoys were unlucky not to score against Valencia in the second-leg and they defended stoutly considering they played more than half of the match with ten men.

And despite the 1-0 loss, one man in particular stood out as a rock in defence.

Kristoffer Ajer produced a masterclass in defence to prove just how talented he is to Celtic fans and Brendan Rodgers.

The Norwegian centre-half made five tackles, two interceptions, four clearances and won four aerial duels (Who Scored) to limit Valencia’s attacking threat.

And it was a timely reminder that Celtic have some in-house solutions for how to cope with two key departures next season.

Dedryck Boyata is out of contract and expected to leave Celtic, while Filip Benkovic’s loan will expire and the Croatian defender looks set to return to Leicester City.

This leaves Rodgers with limited options at centre-back but Ajer reminded Celtic fans of his ability.

The 20-year-old has suffered with some injury concerns this season but he was back to his best against Valencia.

When Boyata and Benkovic depart in the summer, Ajer can step up and become the main man in central defence for Celtic.