The recent signing of Maik Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw for around £4 million is already making waves at Celtic, with the 22-year-old defender earning high praise for his standout performance during the away match against Aberdeen.
It was Nawrocki’s second competitive start for the club, and he is set to be the replacement for Carl Starfelt, who made a move to Celta Vigo last week.
Pundit Stephen McGinn, speaking on Go Radio, has drawn comparisons between Nawrocki and former Celtic defender Kris Ajer, who left the club in 2021 for Brentford in a deal worth over £13.5 million after five seasons in Scotland.
Ajer’s departure was a significant loss for Celtic at the time, but they found a new partnership in Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who never lost a league match over the course of two seasons when partnered next to each other.
“Some real positives. I think Nawrocki could be a real good player. He looked like a Celtic player in that game,” McGinn said. “I love the way he steps into the game. He almost has that Kristoffer Ajer way of just going in and picking passes. He looks like he can head it. A couple of times he has a free header and nods it down to Celtic players. I think he looks like someone at 22 who can be a real good Celtic player.”
Nawrocki’s composure on the ball, his ability to step into the game and pick passes, and his aerial prowess have caught the eye of observers. These qualities, reminiscent of Ajer’s style of play, have sparked excitement among the Celtic faithful.
As Nawrocki continues to settle into life at Celtic Park, the early signs are promising. If he can continue to develop and adapt to the Scottish game, Nawrocki may well prove to be a shrewd acquisition for Celtic, and potentially the long-term defensive stalwart that can take the club forward.
Shed’s aerial prowess amounted to jumping up and hoping the ball would hit hom
Ajer’s aerial prowess…. Hate predictive text!