Rangers FC, who finished third in the Scottish Premiership table in their returning campaign following four years of absence, are now concentrating on the title triumph under Pedro Caixinha and has already brought in nine new faces prior to the forthcoming season in order to compete against fierce rivals Celtic FC.
Celtic, the unbeaten ‘domestic treble’ winners, have clinched their sixth consecutive league title under former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and their success has overshadowed the Gers’ glorious past. The age old rivalry has become a one-sided affair in recent years but Caixinha is determined to alter the scenario and reconstruct his side to reconquer the lost throne.
Although the Portuguese tactician had a major setback in their Europa League Qualification Round 1 fixture against Luxembourg minnows FC Progrès Niederkorn when they suffered a shambolic 2-0 defeat in the return leg fixture that knocked them out of the competition ( by 2-1 aggregate) deplorably, their season does not end here and despite being criticised heavily, the new players need time to gel and settle in to achieve long-term objectives.
Caixinha has already completed 9 new signings and a few of them, however, are to play a key role in their title challenge:
Eduardo Herrera
The Mexican international previously played under Caixinha during his season-long loan spell with Liga MX outfit Santos Laguna and the current Rangers’ boss is an admirer of Herrera’s physicality, aerial presence and goal poaching instincts. The 28-year old hitman has been acquired from UNAM ( for £1.45 mil) who had an impressive six-month loan spell with Veracruz since January 2017.
Rangers have struggled in front of the goal due to Martyn Waghorn and Joe Garner’s inconsistency. The latter has joined Championship outfit Ipswich Town last month. 37-year old veteran Kenny Miller has been their league top scorer with 11 goals during 2016-17 campaign and Herrera’s presence might sort out their limitations upfront.
Graham Dorrans
The 30-year old Scottish international has been a veteran Premier League as well as Championship star and his £1.5 mil move from Norwich City will add much-needed experience in the middle of the park. Dorrans, who has been utilised in a defensive midfield role lately, can protect his back-line when required, breaking up opponent’s attacking threats.
Dorrans can build the game from midfield and will create opportunities upfront with his vision and long passes. He, alongside Ryan Jack, is expected to form a formidable partnership and will strengthen their squad for greater glory.
Bruno Alves
The 35-year old Portuguese centre-back has arguably been the best piece of business by Caixinha who completed a Bosman transfer from Serie A outfit Cagliari. Alves is vastly experienced for club as well as country and played for some top European sides like Porto, Zenit St. Petersburg and Fenerbahce.
Alves has been capped 93 times for Portugal and played a massive part in their UEFA Euro 2016 triumph. His performance in last month’s Confederations Cup has been sublime too as he helped his side grab the third place following some stellar outings.
Bruno Alves is the leader the Gers’ badly needed following Clint Hill’s departure and his presence will influence fellow youngsters David Bates, Danny Wilson, Myles Beerman and new arrival Fabio Cardoso to produce their best ever campaign in Rangers’ colors.
