Ex-teammate claims ‘amazing’ Danilo must find ‘comfort place’ to boost poor Rangers form
Ofir Marciano claims his “amazing” former Feyenoord teammate Danilo “definitely” has the ability to be a “big player for Rangers”.
Speaking to the Daily Record (9 September), the Israeli international goalkeeper praised the Brazilian’s ability in the box and his technique but suggested the pressure of playing for “such a big club as Rangers” could impact his form.
Danilo has struggled on the pitch in his early Ibrox career, having not started for Michael Beale’s side since 15 August in the Gers’ 1-1 Champions League clash with Servette.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Marciano said: “I worked with Danilo last season and technically he is amazing. He has amazing control and is a really good finisher.
“To play for such a big club as Rangers with the pressure then maybe it will take him time to adapt. But he definitely has the quality to be a big player for Rangers.”
“I have a lot of faith in him. His main strength is his technique. He is really good in the box. As soon as he finds his comfort place in the squad and the team then he will deliver a lot to Rangers. He is a really good player.”
Time
Danilo has struggled since his move to Ibrox this summer, but there remains some confidence among the Rangers fanbase that their £6million man will come good.
He has struggled for starts having not been in Beale’s first 11 for nearly a month, making it much more difficult for the 24-year-old to show what he can do.
Many have wondered why Beale has chosen not to start him more often, especially considering his sizable price tag from the Dutch champions.
Sky Sports pundit Kenny Miller questioned Danilo’s situation, saying, as quoted by FootballScotland (7 September): “You just don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. But there’s got to be something.
“You don’t spend that money on a player who played for the team that won the Dutch league last year and now he can’t get a game in a front-line that’s not firing.”
Beale has persisted with the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, who have earned more regular starts than Danilo, making many question Beale’s decision-making.
While the Rangers front line may not have been prolific so far this season, Danilo’s former teammate Marcino is confident he will show his best, suggesting that his current form issues could be related to the significant pressure that comes with playing for the Gers.
The Gers could do with a top-form Danilo after the international break to fire Rangers back to winning ways.
In other Rangers news, an official club partner has shared a Michale Beale sack update following his poor start to the season.