‘Really smart business’ – Sky Sports pundit raves about player Rangers want to sign
Former Celtic player Andy Walker has backed Rangers’ move for Aberdeen midfielder Scott Wright, calling it “really smart business”.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes recently revealed that he had spoken to Steven Gerrard about Rangers’ interest in signing Wright on a pre-contract deal [BBC Sport].
Wright’s contract expires on May 31 2021 so the Gers would be available to pick him up on a free transfer unless they decide to make a January move for him in which case they would have to pay a small fee.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Scottish Football Podcast (13/01/21), Walker paid tribute to what he sees as a continuation of Rangers’ savvy recruitment over recent years, saying: “I like his sharpness, his ability on the ball, his close control. I think it’s a measure of some really smart business from Rangers, who I must say for so long were a bit of a laughing stock with some of the players they were signing.
“There is a real structure and thought process given now to bringing in players at Rangers. Glen Kamara from Dundee, £50k, what a steal he has been. Joe Aribo, a development free from Charlton.
“I think Scott Wright will do well with better players around him. You always wonder about someone who has extra demands thrown on him to be much more consistent than he is at Aberdeen.”
Wright’s potential on show
Wright lined up against his potential future employers on Sunday when his Aberdeen side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie, with the 23-year-old lining up in an attacking midfield role.
With Rangers playing two more advanced midfielders ahead of someone in the holding role it is likely Wright would battle for one of those positions, should he opt to join the Premiership runaway leaders.
His record of two goals and one assist in the Premiership this season might not be overly impressive but there are a number of underlying statistics that prove his worth as one to watch.
Per Wyscout, Wright makes 5.03 dribbles per 90 ranking him 22nd in the league, and is a figure bettered by only Ryan Kent (8.21) and Joe Aribo (6.3) in the Rangers squad.
He also makes 0.8 smart passes per 90 which puts him in the top 20 (19th) in the league, sandwiched between Gers duo Kent and Ryan Jack, while his 0.7 key passes per 90 ranks him top 10 (eighth).
These are some impressive statistics for a side that are 26 points behind Rangers and if he moves to Ibrox do not be surprised to see this improve further and his assist record rise with an increase of quality playing next to him.
In other Rangers news, club linked with move for EFL star.