Credit: Imago/@NZ_Football on X

James Barker

Mon 30 March 2026 11:10, UK

Elijah Just scored as his New Zealand team beat Chile 4-1 in an international friendly on Monday, in a performance that is sure to capture Rangers‘ attention.

The 25-year-old midfielder started for New Zealand against Chile, in a game that kicked off at 07:15am BST on Monday morning.

Chile were reduced to 10 after just 27 minutes, with FC Midtjylland’s Dario Osorio being shown a second yellow card.

From there, the All Whites scored two goals before half-time, the second of which coming from Just on 40 minutes, before his team eventually ran out 4-1 winners.

Just is understood to be a player that Rangers hold a significant transfer interest in ahead of this summer’s window, and his display for his national team on Monday will have further solidified that feeling at Ibrox.

How did Elijah Just perform in New Zealand vs Chile?

Rangers have been urged to sign Just this summer as a priority deal, with the versatile midfielder enjoying a superb debut season in Scottish football with Motherwell.

He only arrived at Fir Park last July, but the New Zealander has taken the Scottish Premiership by storm in 2025-26, and is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the top players in the division.

As such, his signature looks sure to be a highly coveted one come this summer’s transfer window, and Rangers are said to be eyeing up a swoop for him.

So, Ibrox chiefs will no doubt have been keeping an eye on Just’s performance for New Zealand against Chile on Monday morning, and they will have been delighted with what they witnessed.

As per Sofascore, Just completed 81 per cent of his passes accurately, as well as recording a 100 per cent passing accuracy inside his own half and being 50 per cent on long balls.

He also made five recoveries, took just three unsuccessful touches, took 34 touches and attempted two crosses before being replaced in the 72nd minute.

Rangers may have Ryan Naderi issue if Just signs

Just is a versatile operator, and he was deployed on the right side of midfield for New Zealand against Chile.

However, he is an attacking midfielder by trade, and he’s largely been operating in a central role for Motherwell this season.

That could cause an issue at Ibrox if he was to sign this summer in relation to Ryan Naderi, who also appears to be better suited to playing behind the centre-forward.

It was in that role that the German shined against Aberdeen last time out, and did brilliantly well when recording his first Scottish Premiership assist.

As such, Gers will surely want to keep pursuing his potential in that position, but if Just was to sign, they may have to move him out wide if Naderi keeps developing and playing well in the 10.

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