Danilo set for Rangers surprise as ‘training ground whispers’ emerge from Auchenhowie
Danilo could be leading the line for Rangers this season as he puts his underwhelming 2024/25 campaign behind him.
Russell Martin’s side will face Panathinaikos in the second round of Champions League qualifying, with the first leg at Ibrox next Tuesday (22 July), and Danilo is expected to play a part.
Martin is still implementing his style of play and bringing his preferred players to Ibrox, but some of his current batch of players look to be surprising him in pre-season.
Danilo is one of those.
Danilo grabs a goal and three assists in closed-door friendly
Rangers have been ruthless so far this transfer window.
The Light Blues have now brought in eight players, but have yet to bring in an out-and-out striker.
With rumours surrounding possible exits for Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, Danilo could step up for Gers after his hard work in preseason.
The 26-year-old scored in Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley, and did the same but with three assists on top against Dunfermline.
Writing in print edition of the Daily Record (pg 49, 17 July), Andy Newport says that the Brazilian has impressed to the point where he could start on the biggest stage.
He wrote: “The training ground whispers were that Danilo helped himself to another goal as well as three assists in an impressive show during another private Auchenhowie bounce game against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.
“The door has been left open for Danilo to snatch a surprise slot ahead of next week’s crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos.”
Dessers and Igamane are missing out on fitness due to a visa hold-up and an ankle knock, though they have been linked with moves away from Ibrox.
Danilo has the perfect chance to earn a starting place
With Dessers and Igamane absent, Danilo has the perfect chance to stake his place in the Gers’ starting eleven.
Supporters were hopeful that the striker would make an immediate impact when he arrived in 2023, but two seasons on, it feels like now or never for the Brazilian to show what he is capable of.
Danilo looks to be working hard over the summer to do just that, and the forward could put a stop to any plans that Martin might have of recruiting or replacing when he plays against Panathinaikos.
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