Exclusive: Alex McLeish reveals what he is expecting from Bongani Zungu at Rangers
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has said that he’s expecting Bongani Zungu to offer something different and to make a big impact at Rangers.
Zungu, who has signed on loan until the end of the season, made his long-awaited debut for the Gers on Sunday in the 8-0 thrashing of Hamilton.
Zungu can play in a defensive midfield role or further forward and has won 24 caps for South Africa.
Talking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish made a comparison with Arsenal manager and former Gers star Mikel Arteta.
“It is good to have a variation of midfielders who can do different things. You know, back in the day, we deployed Arteta on the left side, almost in a lopsided midfield.
“And don’t forget, Arteta then became a midfield playmaker, a number six in front of the back floor, breaking things up.
“He really earned his wings in the Premier League again when he started to take big knocks, as you know, it’s a very physical league, as opposed to maybe the Spanish league.
“Arteta learned every day and he was a bit different to our other midfielders.
“I know people will say I’m comparing Zungu to Arteta but I’m just pointing out that he offered something very different to our other midfielders and made a big impact and that’s what I’m expecting from Zungu.”
Rangers currently have a nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership and get back to action a week on Sunday when they face Aberdeen.
Then it’s Benfica at Ibrox in a game that could see Rangers take a massive step towards qualifying for the knockout stage of the Europa League.
In other Rangers news, Ross Wilson confirms 19y/o Rangers starlet has been promoted to first-team squad