Russell Martin has ‘uncovered a real game changer’ with new Rangers signing
Rangers have gotten off to a positive start under Russell Martin, and new players are already making an impact.
There was a negative reaction to Martin’s appointment, but he has been allowed to oversee a rebuild at Rangers as several new signings have arrived.
Rangers have now progressed to the next round of the Champions League qualifying phase after an impressive two-legged victory over Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Seven new players have arrived this summer, and one has particularly caught the eye, earning praise from Rangers legend Barry Ferguson.
Ferguson praises Djeidi Gassama
Ferguson left his role at Ibrox as interim manager following Martin’s appointment, but he has kept a close eye on how his successor is getting on in Glasgow.
Progression in the Champions League is the best start Martin could have hoped for, regardless of performance at this stage, but he will be very encouraged by new signing Djeidi Gassama.
The winger scored in both legs against Panathinaikos despite starting neither game, and both goals were taken superbly, with Ferguson now highlighting his ability to decide a game by himself.
| Djeidi Gassama vs Panathinaikos (A) | |
| Minutes played | 34 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Touches | 11 |
| Passing completion | 50% |
| Goals | 1 |
Writing in the Daily Record (August 1), Ferguson praised Gassama following his goals in both legs of the tie, and commended Martin for signing the attacker.
“He also may have uncovered a real game changer in Djeidi Gassama who, for the second time in a week, came off the bench to score a stunning goal,” Ferguson claimed.
“Wednesday’s strike was as sweet as a nut and it was flying into the net from the second it left his boot.”
More to come from Gassama at Rangers
Rangers still need to sign a striker, but the rest of the new-look attack is shaping up nicely, with Mikey Moore joining on loan from Tottenham.
Gassama had a slight injury before the first leg which kept him out of the starting XI, but he will now build up his fitness before eventually playing more minutes.
It is clear that the 21-year-old possesses heaps of attacking quality and speed, which Rangers were often lacking in last season, and he has already shown that he can be decisive in front of goal.
Rangers snapped Gassama up amid a crisis at Sheffield Wednesday, but the Owls’ loss is the Gers’ gain as they now have a huge talent on their hands.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.