'Everyone's dream position' - Super Eagles CB Ajayi reveals he was a striker and playmaker back in the day

Super Eagles center back Semi Ajayi has revealed that he was a striker and playmaker during the early stage of his career.

The English-born defender started his career with Charlton Athletic but didn't make any first team appearance for them before he caught the eye of Arsenal in 2013.

He joined the Gunners on a two-year deal after impressing as a trialist and featured dominantly for the U21s during his stay with the north London club 

Ajayi left the Premier League giants in 2015 to join Cardiff City but still failed to get his career going which inspired loan spells to AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra and Rotherham United.

He left the Bluebirds in 2017 and joined up with Rotherham United on a permanent deal and eventually established himself as a key player for the club before switching to West Brom where he has continued his progression.

Having established himself at club level, he got his first call up to the Super Eagles in 2018 and has become a regular figure for the three-time African champions since then.

Speaking to Elegbete TV Sports on his career progression, the 30-year-old revealed that he initially played as a striker and a playmaker before becoming a center back.

"I think the number 10 is everyone's favorite position. You had the freedom to express yourself to the maximum," Ajayi said.

"I grew up a striker and worked my way backwards. Then I became a number 10, then a central midfielder and now I am a defender."

Ajayi played every single minute for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and having featured regularly under José Peseiro, he will be hoping to continue same under new gaffer Finidi George 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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