Rangers FC, the Glasgow giants, were thought to be a title contender under Pedro Caixinha this season who reconstructed the Scottish heavyweights by bringing in 11 new recruits. Their age-old rivalry with Celtic FC was believed to be redefined once more after years of absence from title contention, but things have not changed much since the previous campaign as the Hoops, favourites to win the league for seven successive terms, have secured a convincing 2-0 triumph at Ibrox in Old Firm Derby last month and are already 6 points ahead of their rivals after 8 game weeks of Premiership football.
Rangers have also witnessed the extreme disappointment of being knocked out from the first qualifying round of UEFA Europa League competition following a calamitous defeat against Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn and received stern criticism for harming their renowned status.
The saga between Caixinha and Kenny Miller did not help either much although it now seems that their relation is on the mend.
The next match Rangers face is against St. Johnstone and the Gers are currently 11/20 favourites to run out winners on the night. Currently, this is the best prices on Rangers that you can get in the betting market. You can make a wager on this game via the betfair betting apps.
Most of Caixinha’s newly introduced resources have failed to deliver so far barring a few who are trying to settle in quickly as well as leave an impact.
Here are Rangers’ summer recruits rated and slated based on their early impression.
Bruno Alves: 6
The veteran Portuguese centre-back has been the biggest name acquired by the Gers this summer. Although he is 35, Alves is still viewed as one of Portugal’s biggest stars who had a massive influence in their 2016 UEFA Euro triumph. The vastly experienced defender has won major honours with Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Fenerbahce during his prolonged career and was brought in to guide the Scottish giants to lead towards title glory once more.
He, however, had a decent start in the Gers backline but failed to retain the defensive composure as they conceded too many goals early into the campaign. Alves got injured and missed out a few fixtures ahead of the international break but set for a return once the season resumes.
Fabio Cardoso: 6.5
Cardoso has not missed a minute of Rangers’ season so far across all competitions and is partnering his fellow countryman Bruno Alves who is guiding the 23-year-old former Vitoria de Setubal centre-back with his vast experience. Cardoso has looked vulnerable at times and their newly looked back-line is yet to settle in, but the Portuguese defender is full of potential who is tipped to be a long-term defensive solution for the Scottish giants.
Declan John: 7.5
The Cardiff City loanee is being considered as Caixinha’s last-gasp masterstroke who has influenced Rangers to register a 4-1 triumph against Hamilton Academical by scoring twice and scripting a comeback despite being a goal down in early seconds. The left-back has been exceptional going forward but must focus on his defensive responsibilities more often. He has only made 3 appearances for his new suitors but already looking a bargain transfer for the entire campaign.
Ryan Jack: 5.5
The Scotsman joined the Gers on a Bosman transfer from league counterparts Aberdeen but has failed to earn reliability despite being a regular starter in the middle of the park. Although he has impressed with his combative display, hard tackles as well as screened the backline when required, Jack, however, is still lacking the creative aspect of his game and invited trouble by conceding two unnecessary Red Cards already in the league.
Graham Dorrans: 7
The veteran Premier League as well as Championship midfielder had a dream league debut for his new side as he scored twice and guided the Gers to secure a 2-1 win over Motherwell. He has made 10 appearances so far in domestic competitions and found the back of the net on two more occasions. The 30-year-old Scottish international is providing reliability in midfield and barring a couple of nervy outings, Dorrans has been pretty solid and leading his side from the middle of the park so far.
Carlos Pena: 5
The manager has been a big admirer of Pena’s talent who monitored him closely during his managerial days in Liga MX and brought the Mexican international to increase his squad strength. Pena had a slow start in Premiership football as he is yet to settle in new surroundings and despite grabbing his maiden league goal against Dundee FC, most of his appearances came from the bench.
Daniel Candeias: 6.5
The Portuguese winger is operating regularly from the right-hand flank. He has bagged three goals altogether and impressed with his work rate, but needs to work on his final delivery and penetrate more inside the box in order to constitute more ambitious goal-scoring opportunities.
Eduardo Herrera: 5
A lot more was expected from the Mexican hitman who previously played for Caixinha and is rated highly by the gaffer for his physical presence as well as goal-poaching instinct. Herrera, unfortunately, has failed to justice the hype so far and mostly been introduced from the bench due to lack of impact. although he scored a league goal against Ross County after coming on as a second-half substitute, the Mexican international needs to step up his game in order to claim a meaningful squad role for Rangers.
Alfredo Morelos: 8
The 21-year-old Colombian striker has been a revolution for the Gers’ since his switch from Finnish outfit HJK back in summer. He has netted 6 times in 8 league outings and earned a regular status ahead of the veteran attackers in Rangers’ attacking third.
Dalcio: NA
The young Portuguese loanee from Benfica played their first outing of this season against Progres Niederkorn in Europa League but made a couple of substitute appearances otherwise. He has played too little to warrant a rating.
Aaron Nemane: NA
The midfielder joined on a six-month loan spell from Manchester City but only managed a couple of late substitute appearances. Played too little to warrant a rating.
