Ibrox View: Surprising character trait could be key in looming Rangers decision on big name
RANGERS OPINION
Rangers face a big decision at the end of the season on whether not they should make a move to sign Ianis Hagi on a permanent deal.
The Romanian has shone in spells since arriving from Genk on loan in January, but the disruption that has been caused by the Coronavirus pandemic means that the Gers don’t have an awful lot of evidence to base their decision on.
But judging by the latest update from The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, the signs are that the club are leaning towards exercising the option-to-buy clause in his loan deal.
Writing in a Q&A, Campbell said: “Hagi can frustrate when he loses possession or can seem to relaxed but Rangers have been impressed by the way he never stops looking for the ball even when things aren’t going well for him.
“His stats have pleased them too in terms of how much impact he is having in terms of chance creation. One of these players you know could rocket one season.”
The two key points to take from Campbell’s comments are that Hagi’s work ethic and creativity could convince the Gers to snap him up.
But while his creativity should be a given, his willingness to work hard in a defensive capacity is more surprising.
Since arriving in Scotland, Hagi has averaged 3.69 ball recoveries per game, as per Wyscout, but crucially, 61.3% of those have come in the opposition half.
A prime example can be seen in the image above, taken from the 1-0 win over SC Braga at the end of February.
Hagi has chased down a ball that a lot of players would have deemed to be a lost cause, and in doing so is able to regain possession and advance into a position of huge attacking threat.
In fact, as can be seen above, Rangers should really have scored from Hagi’s persistence, and would have to, but for some lacklustre finishing from Ryan Kent.
That wasn’t the only example from that match, however.
In the image above we can see that Hagi [nearest the goal] is further away from the ball than three Braga defenders, not including the one who has just been upended by Ryan Jack.
Despite that disadvantage, the 21-year-old shows a natural reading of the game, a fantastic turn of pace, and great deal of tenacity to recover the ball in a position of real danger.
Eventually, the playmaker is fouled and Rangers have a free kick 20 or so yards from goal.
That kind of battling spirit and grit will go over well with Steven Gerrard and fans alike.
And while it might not be the first trait that catches your eye when watching Hagi, it could well prove to be the one that convinces the Gers he is worth a punt.
In other Rangers news, Confirmed: Gers make key decision on several players amid Coronavirus upheaval.