Glenn Loovens has predicted that new signing Liam Shaw will follow in Kris Ajer’s footsteps by becoming a central defender when he completes his summer move to Celtic. The Dutch defender believes that Shaw is best suited to playing at the back and that he may excel in that role when he completes his move to Celtic Park. Speaking to The Sun, Loovens said that the 19-year-old is best at the back meaning that he could look to follow the pathway of Celtic’s Norwegian defender Kris Ajer, who arrived as a promising midfielder and is now the best defender at the club.
“I could see him fitting in at Celtic. Probably centre-back will be his best position.
“He’s still got time to progress, but he’s good with the ball as he’s used to playing in midfield.
“He’s quite aggressive for a tall guy too.
“At Celtic you’re expected to win every week, so it’s a different mindset to get used to.
“But you’re also playing with better players and that can help you.
“Hopefully he’ll play in Europe. There will be new experiences for him, but he looks like a grounded guy.”
Ajer joined from Start five years ago arriving as a central midfielder; however it was soon decided that his best position may be in defence and he was loaned out to Kilmarnock. Brendan Rodgers, who sent him on loan with the caveat that he would play in defence, transformed the lanky youngster into a powerful, ball-playing defender. Ajer returned and has been a mainstay in the Celtic defence ever since and now Shaw may be predicted to follow in a similar pathway.
Shaw will arrive for a development fee believed to be around £300k, Loovens believes that he will prove to be a bargain.
