Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has lavished praise on Nikola Katic ahead of tonight’s trip to Hibernian, as captured by RangersTV.
Injury to Filip Helander means that the Croatian has returned to the Gers team recently, and he’s set to play the remaining three games before the winter break.
While he’s still raw and has a tendency to look to win every ball, he’s generally performed well in his two latest outings against Young Boys and Motherwell, netting the opener in the 2-0 win at Fir Park on Sunday.
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“He’s a much better player than when he arrived and that’s credit to him and his hard work and dedication,” said Gerrard, as captured by RangersTV. “I think it’s only natural for centre-halves at that age, whether you’re playing in the English Premier League or our Premier League…at that age, it’s only natural that you’ve got areas of your game to polish up on.”
“In terms of going out there and wanting to win and bravery and professionalism, Niko ticks every single box.
“It’s my job to keep pushing him in certain areas of his game, but there’s no doubt that when he hits his peak years, which normally for a centre-half is a little bit later, he can be a top player and it wouldn’t surprise me if he goes on to become an international.”
Verdict
This is big praise from the Rangers boss for a player he hasn’t always found room for in his best XI.
There’s no doubt that physically, Katic is immense and the 23-year-old has the ability to dominate aerially in both boxes.
It’s clear that there are still aspects that need working on, but he’s loved by the Ibrox faithful and should have a big future ahead of him at the club.
If Gerrard’s prediction comes true, perhaps in years to come he’ll be regularly lining up alongside Borna Barisic not just for the Gers, but for his country, too.
