Ibrox View: Dion McGhee would be promising signing for Rangers this summer
Rangers could be on the hunt for another promising transfer coup this summer.
According to the Daily Star, the Gers are interested in signing versatile midfielder Dion McGhee, who was released by Manchester United this week.
That means he is available on a free transfer, and could be a real steal as Steven Gerrard looks to rebuild his squad ahead of next season’s title push.
But does McGhee have what it takes to make an impact for the Gers, should they choose to pursue him?
His stats are certainly exciting.
In 2019/20, he had a dribble completion rate that was 26.4% higher than Scott Arfield’s, as well as winning 12% more of his duels per game, and having a total action success rate that was just 0.2% lower than the Canada international’s, as per Wyscout.
The main thing you notice from watching McGhee is his maturity on the ball.
His composure and calmness is far beyond that of an average 19-year-old, as exemplified by the image above.
Taking on possession in his own half, McGhee is stuck with his back to goal, surrounded by a number of opponents.
Rather than panicking and hacking a ball in touch or misplacing a pass, the youngster gets his foot on it and plays the situation very cannily.
McGhee gets his head down and moves, drawing in his man and buying himself more time and space.
As he approaches the second defender, he shows his agility and ball control by darting between his two defenders.
McGhee then exhibits impressive physicality to shield the ball from his man, showing enough strength to hold him off before eventually drawing the foul.
It’s a small piece of play, but it’s also one that relieved a high pressure situation for his team and that shows a good understanding of the gritty side of the game.
Those things are important, especially in Scottish football.
Sure, there’s a lot that he still has to learn, but this would suggest that he has more than enough of a decent foundational platform to become a useful asset – especially if he could be signed for nothing.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce questions whether Gers ace Barisic is good enough for PL move.