Brian Laudrup warns Celtic of ‘instrumental’ John Lundstram ahead of Rangers clash
Brian Laudrup has named John Lundstram as the key Rangers player in the much-awaited Old Firm clash against Celtic at the weekend.
Both teams will face off in the most high-profile match in Scottish football, if not the world, at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon (3 September).
Laudrup, in a Scottish Daily Mail column published in the print edition of 30 August, stated that the 28-year-old will be a key player for the visiting team.
“Some specific areas will be key on Saturday,” he wrote. “While Rangers have a clear challenge in halting Celtic’s front three, Postecoglou will be very mindful of John Lundstram’s impact on midfield.
“Lundstram was instrumental in turning the tide last season. Celtic struggled to handle him. The 28-year-old’s power, running ability, aggression and passing are tailor-made for the derby.
“Plus, it looks to me like he loves the occasion and channels all that emotion into his performances. You cannot overstate his importance to the Rangers team.
“The pressure that must be applied to Celtic obviously starts from the front. But the rhythm of a game is controlled in midfield and Lundstram will play a huge part in that. Another big performance from him is essential to hope of an away win that would firmly state Rangers’ credentials.”
Big-match player
Going by Laudrup’s words, Lundstram seems to be the kind of player who likes the big occasion and delivers when it mattered the most.
That is something the Rangers fans and Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be hoping for from the 28-year-old in the Old Firm where a win would take the Gers to the top of the table as they are currently placed second with 13 points, just two points behind Celtic with both teams having played five games each.
Lundstram has been a Rangers player since the summer of 2021 when he moved from Sheffield United on a free transfer after his contract with the club came to an end.
Since then, the Liverpool-born midfielder has represented his current club in 57 matches across all competitions where he has managed to score five times and provided a solitary assist in the process.
In the ongoing campaign, Lundstram has played nine games for the Gers across different competitions where he has scored a solitary goal [Transfermarkt], although it’s his work elsewhere that brings in the plaudits.
In other Rangers news, Ross Wilson now has names lined up just in case Alfredo Morelos seals his exit this summer