When Daniel Candeias arrived at Rangers in 2017, they were signing a player whose career had been that of a journeyman.
He had previously been attached to two Portuguese giants: Porto and then Benfica.
The winger didn’t find a recipe for success at either, though.
He has experienced no fewer than nine loan stints during his career. Those numbers might suggest a troublemaker, a player for whom loyalty isn’t important.
However, since he joined the Gers, he’s demonstrated a fierce commitment to the cause.
Candeias is capable of moments of brilliance and has an eye for goal, but doesn’t always produce in the final third.
Outstanding work ethic
One thing you can guarantee, though, is that he’ll work his socks off for as long as he’s on the pitch.
He hassles and harries defenders, chases lost causes and isn’t afraid of a tackle.
That tenacity backfired somewhat earlier in the season when he picked up a succession of cautions and two red cards (one was courtesy of a major Willie Collum error).
In general, though, he can be relied on to pull his weight on the right side. It would be fair to say that he’s one of the few positive legacies of the Pedro Caixinha regime.
Steven Gerrard took a shine to him immediately. He’s been a near ever-present throughout the season and on Sunday against Hibs, the Portuguese brought up his 50th appearance.
In so doing, he joined James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor in reaching that landmark.
It’s an impressive achievement and he marked it with a celebratory post on Twitter. Plenty of Bears were quick to congratulate him, recognising above all else, his commitment on the field.
https://twitter.com/davidmc76796843/status/1125870336262721537
https://twitter.com/ZanderMcRFC/status/1125853699564285952
https://twitter.com/Ulster_Born/status/1125854034282332162
https://twitter.com/rangersblue123/status/1125850662502313984
https://twitter.com/neilholmes8/status/1125849612529672193
