'Vaclav Cerny as Lionel Messi!'... Czech media goes mad for Rangers winger
Yesterday at 01:00 PM
Rangers managed to end the second block of domestic fixtures on a high after sweeping aside St Johnstone with the only complaint being that there should have been more goals for the home side.
Philippe Clement wasn't entirely happy with what he saw, but the return of Ianis Hagi and the performance of Vaclav Cerny will have given him something to look forward to on the other side of the international break.
The manager will have to wait for a few games before he can count Hagi as a member of his squad, however, in Cerny, Clement has a winger compared to no less than the greatest to ever do it – according to Czech media that is.
Vaclav Cerny gets Lionel Messi comparison after Rangers display
According to Ruik, the Czech Republic international showed glimpses of Lionel Messi in his two-goal match-winning display:
"Vaclav Cerny as Lionel Messi! He scored two more goals for Rangers, one with a beautiful shot from behind the box after an opponent’s pass
"Vaclav Cerny took an unexpected step in the summer and left Germany on a loan to Scotland. In addition to the unpopular Rangers FC team here.
"So far, he may not be doing as well as he would like, but on Sunday he flashed an excellent performance and scored two beautiful goals."
Despite not quite being on Messi's level just yet, Cerny's display was that of a player who is clearly trying to make amends.
After scoring the first goal, the 26-year old went over to Clement to thank him for the show of faith.
Cerny proves Rangers quality to pay back Clement trust
The sign of a good manager is knowing what players need a cuddle and what players need a kick up the backside.
Cerny appears to be the former.
For all that the praise from his homeland might be a touch hyperbolic, both goals were taken with the sort of clinical edge that the Gers boss has been looking for, although it is the easier chances that now need to be converted too.
The numbers are starting to look a bit better for Cerny and he will be hoping that the Ibrox performance wasn't a one off.
Given his profile and experience, he should be a player who the gaffer can trust when he needs someone to make a difference.
Footballers are only human and aren't immune to criticism, especially since the advent of social media.
What Cerny has done, is show an insight into how their minds work and that backing, rather than berating them, is the most effective way to get the best out of them.
Not that Messi ever needed to pull up his socks.
