Gers target Zidane inspired midfielder who 'dreams' of chance with World Cup heroes - report
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Rangers have expanded their scouting network into every nook and cranny of global football as they look to unearth the next Zinedine Zidane.
Whilst such lofty ambitions might not lead to the arrival of Zizou's second coming at Ibrox, it's clear Rangers are now trying to take risks on emerging markets for big pay-offs.
Hamza Igamane has joined from Moroccan football, whilst the addition of Mohamed Diomande from Scandinavia and Jefte from Brazil has turned heads across Europe.
Now, the club is reportedly casting glances towards Croatia and namely a breakthrough midfielder who models his game on the legendary French icon.
Rangers target models game on Zinedine Zidane
There's every chance few Rangers fans would've heard of FK Varazdin midfielder Leon Belcar before the Croatian was linked to Ibrox.
But amid reports Rangers are tailing Belcar alongside the likes of Club Brugge and AZ Alkmaar, there would've been plenty searching for the midfielder's name on YouTube.
Whilst Belcar has since made it clear he's ready to commit to Varazdin, the 23-year-old is aware of interest and will eventually move out of his native Croatia.
And if Rangers fans want to get an idea of the type of player the midfielder is, the ambitious talent claims he models his game on Zinedine Zidane.
In fact, if it wasn't for the legendary Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid midfielder, there might be no Leon Belcar.
"I started playing football because of Zidane!" Belcar explains to Sportske Novosti.
"My dad always showed me his videos when I was little, and that’s how he kind of lured me into football.
"Of course, I’ve always loved football, but when I saw some of Zidane’s moves, it was like 'wow'. And that’s how I started with all of that.
"Both Zidane and Ronaldo have always been my football idols, so everything I do and try to do is the way they do it.
"Maybe the role of the last midfielder suits me better.
"Namely, I’m a player who likes the ball at my feet, so I prefer when the ball is with me, so that I can play the team. When I turn forward I can give a long pass, I can trick, I can choose."
Leon Belcar sets his sights on Croatia 'dream'
Croatia as a nation has produced plenty of great midfielders over the years and Leon Belcar will hope to follow in the footsteps of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
It's a big part of the reason why the European nation managed to reach the 2018 World Cup Final in Russia.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke too was envious of Croatia's ability to produce young talent with Scotland having plenty to learn from their eastern neighbours.
Rangers too have a long-held affinity with players from the Balkans, with Croats Dado Prso, Nikica Jelavic and Borna Barisic etching their names into Ibrox history.
Bosnian duo Nikola Katic and Sasa Papac have also been bit by the Rangers bug.
Rangers News exclusively revealed Ibrox interest in another Croatia midfielder in NK Osijek's Marko Soldo and it's clear the Gers have an increasing presence in the region.
Speaking about his hopes to reach the Croatia national set-up, Leon Belcar has progressed through the youth ranks of Croatia and admits it's his 'dream' to pull on the famous red and white jersey.
It comes with Belcar taking big steps at Varazdin this season with the midfielder also reflecting on the progress made in his home country.
"It’s certainly a great honour and responsibility, but also a source of pride," said Belcar when asked about representing Croatia.
"You play football with the goal of playing for the A national team, but also to go through all those younger national teams.
"It’s a great reward for all the effort you put into yourself, not only during the season, but throughout all the years you’ve been trying and working.
"Of course I dream of playing for the A national team one day, but it’s still a big deal to play for your country (at any level).
"I can say that I am quite satisfied with my season. It was a bit difficult at the beginning, until I got completely used to the new position that I was given.
"I think I have successfully completed the challenge that was put in front of me.
"They dropped me to the 'six' or 'eight' position and I would say that I have improved the most there.
"When I played the 'ten', I was quite excluded from that phase of defense, but now I am quite up and down in this position.
"Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I think I have improved that phase of defense and tactical discipline a lot."
