Ibrox View: Rangers must beat Celtic in race to land 28y/o danger man from English club
Rangers could yet have a trick or two up their sleeve in the transfer market.
The deadline passes next week, and according to TEAMtalk the Gers are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on out of favour Stoke City forward Tom Ince.
The 28-year-old has yet to appear in any of the Potters’ opening three Championship matches this term, and it is understood that he has been told he can leave the club on loan if a suitable offer comes in.
His situation has reportedly alerted Celtic and West Brom too, but we feel that he could be a decent, versatile addition to Gerrard’s squad at Ibrox.
Ince is capable of playing out wide as well as through the middle, and his heat map from last season shows how he likes drift in from the flank, almost like an old school inside right.
And that proclivity for finding space makes him a real goal threat on his day.
Last season, for instance, his shot accuracy was a full 18.3% higher than Brandon Barker’s has been this season, as per Wyscout.
Ince’s most recent goal for the Potters – against Barnsley back in July – was a perfect example of what he is capable of too.
Ince picks up the ball in his trademark position, blurring the line between a winger and a number 10.
Getting his head up he plays a simple pass out wide and then immediately looks to find space.
His movement is simple but effective, and by realising and anticipating the areas into which his markers are likely to drift, he is able to create a decent amount of time and space for himself in a very dangerous position.
Even then, Ince still has a lot left to do.
Taking the ball onto his left foot, he opens up his body well and elects to curl an effort into the top corner.
There are a number of bodies that he needs to navigate with his effort, and it is always going to take something pretty special to be a goalkeeper from there.
Ince is a player capable of producing special moments though, and his strike here is no exception.
Hit with power and precision, it has just enough dip on it at the vital moment to ensure that it crashes in off the underside of the crossbar.
On the basis of this effort, you would have to say that Rangers must beat Celtic to his signature if he is to leave Stoke in the coming days.
In other news, Rangers ace proves he is exciting alternative to Gers regular in Sunday masterclass.