Glasgow Rangers Finally won the Old Firm match under Philip Clement on Thursday as the Ibrox side overcame Celtic with a stunning display in the traditional festive clash between the two.
Given the form of both teams, a 3-0 win for Rangers certainly didn't appear on the radar, but the performance should give the manager hope that the second half of the season can be better than the first.
Much of the improved performance against Celtic was down to a dynamic attacking four who worked well together to cause all sorts of problems for the defence. Nadeem Bajrami showed his brilliance as a No. 10, while Hamza Eghamani's movement regularly dragged opposition players out of position.
The two wingers – Ianis Hagi and Vaclav Cerny – proved to be the most creative in attack. Cerny hit the woodwork twice while Hagi not only scored the first goal, but also sent eight crosses into the box and made four key passes during the match.
It looks as if he is finally back to his impressive best after a contract dispute threatened to end his Ibrox spell sooner than expected.
If he can maintain this kind of performance, the Romanian will be a huge asset to Clement between now and the end of the season. That's for sure.
Giannis Hagi Rangers statistics
It's hard to believe Steven Gerrard signed Hagi five years ago. The baby-faced attacking midfielder has enjoyed a strong first few months in Glasgow, highlighted by the brace he scored against Braga to seal a 3-2 win.
Throughout the 2020/21 season, the player played a starring role as the Gers won the Premier League title unbeaten. Not only Haji Recorded 18 goal contributions – Seven goals and 11 assists – in Serie A alone, but he has registered one key assist per game while creating nine big chances.
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Ianis Hagi's Premier League statistics for Rangers (full seasons only) |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
metric |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2024/25 |
|
Objectives |
7 |
2 |
1 |
|
Helps |
11 |
0 |
3 |
|
It created great opportunities |
6 |
2 |
3 |
|
Shots per match |
1.8 |
2.4 |
2.2 |
|
Key passes for each match |
1 |
1.5 |
1.9 |
Hagi looked to build on this during the following season, and while he was a regular in the starting line-up, against Stirling Albion in a Scottish Cup tie, The playmaker suffered a season-ending injury Which stopped his progress.
By the time he returned to full fitness, Michael Bale was in charge and clearly wasn't a fan, sending him on loan to Alaves in La Liga for the 2023/24 season.
His commitment to the club is clear, as he managed to resolve the contractual dispute that threatened to end his stay in Glasgow, and it now looks like he could be an important player for the team.
With the winter window now open, Clement will be keen to make some signings to add some much-needed depth to his first-team squad.
There have already been a few names linked with a move to Ibrox, but there is one player who has been touted with a move to Rangers before. Not only that, he could be the club's next striker…
Rangers are keen to sign the Romanian sensation
before christmas, Claimed daily log Rangers were reportedly keen on a deal to sign FCSB midfielder Darius Olaru when the January transfer window opened.
The player has a release clause of just €4m (£3.3m) included in his contract, making him an attractive option for Clement, especially if some deadwood can be moved on this month.
Ibrox side first I started showing interest At Olaro two years ago, he even went so far as to send scouts to monitor his performances when Bale was in charge.
No move materialized at the time, but could 2025 be different? £3.3m may seem steep given the club's current financial woes, but if a few players are sold, a move for the FCSB star should be a priority.
Darius Olaru's season in numbers
The Romanian international, who has played 25 international matches, has been in excellent form for his club this season. Defeat 30 matches in all competitionsHe scored 15 goals while recording seven assists.
Domestically, the attacking midfielder has caught fire. I have Created six big chancesaveraging three key passes per game along with an average of 3.3 shots per game, proving to be a major attacking threat.
He even impressed in the Europa League, scoring three goals in just four appearances, although he missed the match against Rangers through suspension.
Bringing in a player of his ability would certainly strengthen the club, and would also be beneficial for Hamza Igamane, who could do well opposite Olaro.
Olaro could be a dream signing for Hamza Igamani
Igamane has been excellent since making his debut for the Light Blues at the start of September. He has scored eight goals for the Light Blues in that time and tied Attracted attention Also from Everton.
Having someone of Oularo's stature playing right behind him and creating chance after chance will certainly allow the Moroccan striker to score more regularly.
When compared to his peers in the Europa League this season, Olaro Ranks in the top 10% for key passes per 90 (2.85) and at the top 19% for crosses per 90 (4.56), indicating that his teammates are taking advantage of his creative talents in the final third.
Scottish content creator Kay Watson lavished praise About the midfielder in November 2024, saying:
“I have no idea where we will get the money but he would be a great signing. A player who presses aggressively and is also resistant to pressure, he can create chances and score goals.
It would be money well spent if Rangers make a concrete move to bring the Romanian to Ibrox, and following the success of compatriot Hagi, Olaro could have a similar impact at the club.
A lot will depend on other factors, but if Clement has the funds available, signing for FCSB could improve further during his time in Scotland.
