Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer believes that the future is bright for team-mate Yehor Yarmoliuk following his Premier League debut against Burnley last weekend.

Yarmoliuk, who joined the club from SC Dnipro-1 in July 2022, was introduced in the 76th minute as the Bees earned a first home win of the season thanks to goals from Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Saman Ghoddos.

And Ajer, who praised Yarmoliuk on his Instagram story after his first league appearance, insists that there is plenty more to come from the Ukraine Under-21 international.

“I’ve been very close with [Yarmoliuk] for a long time,” said Ajer.

“He barely spoke any English when he got here and with what his country’s been going through, it’s been difficult.

“You have to respect that it’s not been easy for him to move here; it was always going to take time for him to settle.”

Ajer continued: “When he came on [against Burnley] you saw how powerful he is and how much he’s developed.

“He’s speaking English now, almost better than me, so his development has been incredible. I’m happy for him.

“We have to patient with young players, but what he shows every single day in training is very positive. The fans can expect a lot more of what he showed on Saturday.

“He’s extremely focused. At the beginning I thought it was because he was shy and struggled with his English, but even now he’s extremely focused - that’s his personality. When Brentford scout players they analyse this as well, so I’m not surprised.”

Ajer also highlighted 19-year-old Michael Olakigbe. Like Yarmoliuk, Olakigbe joined the club in July 2022 and has been featured for Thomas Frank’s first-team squad this term, making six outings in all competitions.

“He’s sharp. He’s really, really sharp in training,” Ajer continued.

“If you’re a little bit tired after a game on a Saturday and he shows up on a Monday and starts dribbling at you, then you’re in trouble.

“It’s fantastic. It’s a developing club and we have to do that in this league.”

Norway international Ajer has made 13 appearances for club and country this season. Following an injury-hit 2022/23 campaign, the 25-year-old is back to his best and thriving on the right of the Bees’ backline.

“It was difficult [last season],” he admitted. It’s always the worst thing as a footballer to be in the stands when your team is playing.

“To be part of it now, and really feel like I’m contributing to the team, is good.

“The way I play now suits me quite well. I know that I can defend the channels and also join as a three when we build up. Something close to this is my favoured position.

“With the staff we looked at my game and found things that I could develop. I worked a lot with Claus [Nørgaard] defensively – headers.

“I’ve developed my physical side and I’m winning more duels. I’m happy with my development.”