Former Super Eagles captain Taribo West has given reasons why West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi should start in central defence when Nigeria take on Brazil in an international friendly next month in Singapore.
Ajayi started in central defence with William Troost-Ekong in the recent friendly game which ended in a 2-2 draw against Ukraine with many people praising his composure on the ball and how he complimented Ekong.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com, West said Semi has not only improved his defending ability but can also contribute in set piece situation, an area where the Super Eagles will do well to exploit when both teams meet.
West said Semi has worked on his aerial ability in the opponent’s box and that has enabled him to earn the tag of a goal scoring defender with two goals to his name already this season.
” I like what I saw in him during the friendly game. He is very strong in tackles and maybe the quickest among the defenders in the team now. He love to play rather than just shoot his way out of danger and in the air he has improved a lot”, West told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” His strength in the air is not just in the box of his team but also that of the opponent. From last season I think that’s one area that he has improved on which has now made him a goal scoring central defender. He should start against Brazil who don’t like it when you whip high balls into their defence “.
