Rangers attacker Fashion Sakala has continued his fine resurgence at Ibrox under Michael Beale with a neatly-taken goal in the victory over Dundee United.
The Zambian international forward, 25, showed what he’s capable of by bursting into the Dundee United box, neatly controlling a bouncing ball with his right foot and then quick as a flash lashing it into the net with his left.
It was a genuinely stunning finish and is very much a sign of a player increasing in confidence and enjoying his run in the team under the new management.
The opening goal in the eventual 2-0 victory over Dundee United, Fashion Sakala has continued to come up big for Rangers ever since Beale and co walked through the door.
That’s not to say the ex-KV Oostende forward is the finished product; that perception of a hard-working attacker whose intention is often quicker than his brain is proving a hard one to shake at times.
But for all the ingenuity and guile the forward presents – something which caused havoc against Celtic last week – there is also genuine quality and ability that Rangers are now doing well to harness.
There’s a reason why the Gers were said to have held off interest from top clubs in Spain and England when they signed the forward on a pre-contract from Belgium.
Fashion Sakala continues fine Rangers form with Dundee United strike
Fashion Sakala showed against Dundee United that he has the quality to produce top-end finishes whilst his run of goalscoring form has proven he knows where the back of the net is.
The striker has an ability to drive the ball down low and if Rangers can marry the Zambian’s clear enthusiasm with a little more composure in the box then they will have a potent asset.
Now the clear first choice off the right for the club, it’s a welcome boost to see Sakala performing so well and it’s strange to think that under Giovanni van Bronckhorst opportunities were limited.
This was reflected in the Sakala’s post-match interview, where he praised Michael Beale for helping him “feel like a footballer again” as the striker made it three goals and two assists in six games since the World Cup break.
“I can’t lie, I’m having a very good time and I’m very happy,” said Sakala [Sky Sports].
“I hope I continue working extra hard and continue getting game time.
“It was very difficult at the beginning of the season but now I am feeling like a football player again and I’m really happy.
“The manager just told me when he came why the club signed me when he was part of the staff under Steven Gerrard.
“He just said, ‘Remember what we talked about before we signed you. You know the task and why you are here at a very big club. I trust you and I want you to get your confidence back’.
“So I knew from that that this was my time.”
Perhaps the Dutchman might rue not utilising the strengths of the forward more but Gio does deserve credit for holding on to Fashion Sakala in the summer.
Extensively linked with loan moves to Ligue 1 and La Liga, there was also talk of £3m interest from English Championship Burnley [Scottish Daily Express].
But if Fashion Sakala can continue in the rich vein of form he’s showing at Rangers whilst continuing to develop his game, then that fee might look pretty paltry in next few windows to come.
Before then though, the Rangers support can enjoy the presence of this very pleasant Zambian gentleman who is fast becoming a fans’ favourite.
You will love his celebration after winning a penalty against Celtic.