Out of contract in 2025, Rangers could land 6ft 2inch Danilo cover from familiar source - opinion
01/13/2025 07:30 AM
Philippe Clement eventually stumbled across a system and attacking line-up that seems to get the best out of the attacking talent available to Rangers.
The squad is still short of depth, however, the manager now knows what four players are his best in terms of those who are more likely to get numbers and, at least, give his team a chance of winning.
One subtle change has seen Danilo deployed as a No.10 but with the freedom to rotate with Hamza Igamane, a tactic that is paying dividends for Rangers.
Rangers recruitment needs to find Danilo stand-in
In terms of pure numbers, the £6m signing from Feyenoord is starting to repay his transfer fee, five goals and three assists in just over 500 Scottish Premiership minutes is an impressive tally.
A goal or an assist every 73 minutes which highlights just how important it is to keep him fit and how badly missed he was last season during the title run in.
What he has also shown, is that Clement has been getting it all wrong.
Domestically, Rangers need as many goalscorers as possible in the starting XI, not midfielders who are neat and tidy.
Due to how teams set up, the Ibrox outfit will always dominate possession and spend most of their time around their opponent's box which is why a striker who can play as a No.10 is more appropriate than an attacking midfielder.
The difference when Danilo doesn't start is marked and Rangers' recruitment team should consider how best to find a like-for-like replacement instead of someone who changes the set-up.
Who could Rangers target to deputise for Danilo?
Having signed Mohamed Diomande from Nordsjaelland last January, the Light Blues' scouting depart will have come across Benjamin Nygren already.
Capped by Sweden at Under-21 level, the 6ft 2inch tall forward is capable of playing anywhere along the forward line but is at his best playing off or behind a central striker, similar to the role Danilo plays when alongside Igamane.
The 23-year old has eight goal involvements in 15 games this season and is out of contract at the end of 2025.
Nygren is the right profile and the right price, if Rangers want an able deputy Danilo.
