‘Ever in my life’ – Derek Cornelius blows away BBC pundit with something he’s never seen before
Rangers signed Derek Cornelius from Marseille on deadline day, and there is plenty of excitement over the new arrival.
Cornelius joined on loan with an option to buy, and arrives at Ibrox as a Canada International who will bring experience to the back line.
Rangers have struggled defensively under Russell Martin, but it is hoped that Cornelius can bring some more stability to the back line.
The 27-year-old started for Canada in their friendly against Wales, and produced a moment of sheer magic as he opened the scoring.
Derek Cornelius scores free kick in Wales vs Canada
Cornelius is not just a defender, as he also has a strong left foot which can prove useful on set-pieces, as an alternative to James Tavernier.
With Rangers fans tuning into Wales’ friendly with Canada to get a first look at Cornelius, he did not disappoint, as he did something very special.
The defender lined up to take a free-kick from longe range, and perfectly curled it into the top corner.
Commentator Robert Earnshaw, who also worked at the Vancouver Whitecaps as a coach around the time that Cornelius played there, was left gobsmacked.
| Stat (per cent) | Cornelius’ Ligue 1 stats |
| Pass accuracy | 93.8 |
| Tackles won | 70.8 |
| Aerial duels won | 66.7 |
| Duels won | 59.8 |
“Sometimes you just have to applaud brilliant play,” Earnshaw stated on BBC One Wales commentary.
“Cornelius, a centre-back who is playing left-back tonight, that is just unbelievable. The technique, precision, execution – it’s brilliant. I’ve never seen him do that ever in my life.”
Derek Cornelius can become set-piece threat for Rangers
Rangers already have Tavernier as a free-kick and corner specialist, but having Cornelius as an alternative option will be particularly useful.
As a left-footer, Cornelius can provide a goal threat from free kicks on angles which would suit him better than the right-footed Tavernier, and this double danger would mean teams may need to adapt and try to give away less fouls near their box.
Cornelius is hoping to be part of Canada’s World Cup squad, and if he can bring his International form with him to Rangers, fans will be in for a treat.
The defender can have a big impact at Rangers, and Cornelius could also allow John Souttar to move position to the right side at centre-back to discover his best form, and this free-kick gives a small glimpse into the level of talent that is about to arrive at Ibrox.
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