According to a recent report by the Scottish Sun quoting an unnamed Russian source, Premiership giants Rangers are said to be targeting the summer purchase of former Zenit St. Petersburg midfield ace Daler Kuzyaev. The report suggests that the Ibrox side are still in the hunt to acquire some additional midfielders, as they hope to put an end to Celtic’s dominance in the league. The midfielder’s contract with the Russian side expired at the start of August, which means that he can be brought in without the need of paying a transfer fee.
Although the report has clarified that Rangers are interested in Russian midfielder Daler Kuzyaev, whether or not they’re able to convince him to choose Scotland remains to be seen. Marseille, Besiktas and Alaves have all reportedly placed an interest in the Russian’s services, but Rangers are claimed to be leading the race at this point. Speaking on the matter, Zenit sporting director Alexander Medvedev said, “Daler has interest from a number of clubs in Europe and has rejected our offer of a new contract. We wish him luck in his career.”
What Is Rangers’ Midfield Situation Right Now?
The Gers don’t necessarily possess a massive amount of wealth in the midfield area, and that has been one of their main deterrents over the course of the last couple of seasons. As impressive as the likes of Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack have been this term, it must be conceded that the other options certainly don’t line up to the mark.
Glen Kamara started this new campaign in the first-team alongside the aforementioned duo, but he didn’t show enough offensive penetration to merit a sustained run in Gerrard’s attack-minded setup.
Steven Davis is a holding-midfielder by position and doesn’t offer any intensity in the attacking sense. Scott Arfield, despite making a flurry of substitute appearances, isn’t threatening enough to warrant a place in the team. This lack of attacking quality from midfield has been an issue for Gerrard’s men, and finding a player who would not only defend, but also regularly contribute offensively, must be considered a necessity this summer. Aribo remains the only player who provides Gerrard with a good option and finding an alternative for the role should be treated with utmost importance.
What Makes Daler Kuzyaev A Good Option For Rangers?
The 27-year-old is a lanky central midfielder who offers a wide variety of dribbling and passing skills. Capable of taking on any opposition defender and beating them on his day, the Russian provides a direct goal-threat with his straightforward approach to the game too. A willing runner with the ball at his feet, the Russian international would add a much more dynamic presence to the Gers’ midfield than anything they currently boast. Having been at the Russian club for more than six years now, there’s no need to question the quality he possesses, while the fact that he has got 21 caps for his country further highlights just that.
Rangers Are Interested In Russian Midfielder Daler Kuzyaev: Smart Move For Gerrard?
The Ibrox club are aspiring to challenge Celtic to the title this season, and finding a more attack-minded midfielder is sure to be essential towards them achieving that. Kuzyaev will probably take some time to settle into the sheer pace and intensity of the British game, but once he does that, there is no denying that quality that he would bring to the table. A dribbler from midfield is something that Steven Gerrard’s team has been calling out for over the last couple of season, and Kuzyaev could be the man who bridges the gap between the Ibrox club and the reigning Premiership champions.
