Nedim Bajrami, according to Kris Boyd, appears to be the key to Rangers’ comeback following a dismal start to the season.
On transfer deadline day, the Albanian was acquired from Sassuolo for £3.4 million in a move that most Rangers supporters on the night were undoubtedly startled by.
Furthermore, Bajrami has recently put on some outstanding performances for Philippe Clement’s team, seemingly living up to his high price.
Boyd shares this viewpoint and believes that although Rangers’ season has gotten off to a dismal start, Bajrami is showing signs of promise.
The former Ibrox striker even went so far as to compare the 25-year-old to crafty winger Ryan Kent, who used to terrorise defences in the Scottish Premiership, in his weekly column for The Scottish Sun.
Ryan Kent-like traits define Bajrami, a Rangers standout.
Boyd stated: “Early starts are Nedim Bajrami’s speciality.” When he scored for Albania against Italy in just 23 seconds in June, he broke the record for the Euros.
And in Malmo on Thursday night, in just 56 seconds, he gave the Rangers the lead. At a time when Gers fans were in dire need of a glimmer of new hope, he is swiftly making a name for himself in their hearts.
“There’s no denying that on the day of the transfer deadline, Bajrami signed with Sassuolo and entered a sea of criticism. Rangers were eliminated from both the Champions League and Ibrox.
They were the only Premiership team that failed to defeat Hearts. The Gers were subsequently soundly beaten at Celtic Park two days after his arrival, dropping them to five points behind the winners.
“The club’s negativity was growing more quickly than the Copland Stand’s construction.” One may argue that I was the target of the most criticism.
“People in the area needed someone to cheer them up, and Bajrami might be that someone.” In forty-five minutes, he gave a preview of his lesson at Tannadice.
When the Gers finally made their way back to Ibrox on Saturday night, he once again excelled with his 75 minutes against Dundee.
“Bajrami is more suited for a No. 10 role and isn’t a natural winger. However, the way he plays makes it possible for Jefte or Neraysho Kasanwirjo to pass him on the left side.
“He makes room for his teammates and, dare I say it, brings traits that Ryan Kent possessed.”
Kent was never a pure winger, but when he entered the room, he created havoc. He made the midfielder, right centre defender, and right back confused about who should pick him up.
“Bajrami has a variety of deft passes, is excellent with the ball, likes to get a shot off, and can pick up small pockets of space.”
There will undoubtedly be instances in which he goes overboard. Take a look at his throw back to Cyriel Dessers just before the half in Malmo, when he should have been the one to pull the trigger.
However, Bajrami might be the tiny bit of optimism that Gers supporters are currently in need of. This season, they have undoubtedly been searching for a spark.
Against Malmo, Bajrami stood out.
With a match rating of 8.4 from FotMob, Bajrami’s 2-0 victory over Malmo was by far his best performance in a Rangers uniform to date.
In less than a minute, he scored a goal that enthralled the Eleda Stadion’s Rangers supporters and served as the foundation for the team’s thrilling Europa League away victory.
During the evening, Bajrami produced four opportunities and all four of his attempts were on goal. Keeping him healthy and prepared will be crucial because it seems like he will be the one opening doors for the Rangers this season.
Though he still has a ways to go before he can play at the same level as Kent, he might be a greater goal threat than the former Liverpool young player, who had trouble scoring goals towards the conclusion of his Rangers career.
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