Apple TV analyst explains why Jose Cifuentes’ form has ‘dipped’ as Rangers transfer edges closer
Jose Cifuentes has “dipped” in form largely due to a desire to seal his move to Rangers, according to Keith Costigan.
The Apple TV analyst was speaking to The Herald’s online website (3 August) about the LAFC midfielder, who is finalising the paperwork on a four-year deal in a £1.2million deal (Sky Sports, 2 August).
Costigan first became aware of Cifuentes during the 2019 Under-20 World Cup and has watched with interest as he played a starring role in LAFC’s MLS Cup win last season.
He expected the 24-year-old midfielder to become a success at Ibrox but did sound a warning about needing a period of bedding into Michael Beale’s squad.
“I would say, if you look at his form this year, he has dipped. And one of the reasons for that, I think, is that he has been angsty to move on,” he said in the quotes reported by the Herald.
“They won the title last year, he played a big part in it, and then it was like ‘OK, now it is time for the next step’. When a player doesn’t get that move, it tends to impact his overall form and this year I wouldn’t say he has been near the levels that he reached last year.
“I put that down to the fact that, for him, the work was done last year and it was about moving on now and taking that next step in his career. I wouldn’t read too much into the blip in form this year.
“The team itself hasn’t been as good and there is maybe a bit of a hangover after winning the championship. I definitely think there was a factor for Jose.
“He wanted to move, he probably thought it was going to happen in January and didn’t. I would imagine he is absolutely buzzing to get over there and start his European journey.”
He added: “I don’t know how quickly he will settle, that is one thing. He is coming from a different environment and it did take him a couple of months to get completely in tune here.
“LAFC were going through a turnover at the time but once Steve Cherundolo took over he became the main piece in that midfield and when he was given those chances in there he really excelled.
“The first month or so will be interesting to see how he does but I think over the course of a couple of seasons he is going to be a really smart pick-up for Rangers.”
Patience is paramount
Costigan is someone who is well worth listening to when he talks about Jose Cifuentes and the impact he can have at Rangers having watched his development closely over the past four years.
His view about the dip in form seems absolutely nailed on. If he had a sense that is journey in Los Angeles had come to an end and now he is ready to make a name for himself in European football, then it stands to reason that his performances were not quite as high.
That does not mean Rangers fans should be concerned, if anything they are about to sign a player who will be absolutely chomping at the bit to showcase his talents and prove himself in a completely new league.
There does have to be an element of patience here and not just with Cifuentes. He will become signing number nine and while new arrivals always brings optimism and excitement, time will be needed to ensure Beale has the chance to fully mould his new players into his system.
In other Rangers news, the club expect Fashion Sakala to exit the club within days.