Star of 55 saves Rangers career with new position shift: view

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Ianis Hagi is a player whose talent has never been in question, however, finding his best position for Rangers has never been an easy task.

The Romanian’s most productive season came playing off the right-hand side of the attack but he would tuck in and allow James Tavernier to overlap.

Now though, with Michael Beale having more options Ianis Hagi is looking for a fresh start post knee surgery for Rangers, as reported by The Scotsman.

Ianis Hagi on new role for Rangers under Michael Beale

Speaking after the friendly defeat to Olympiacos where the 24-year old came off the bench to play in the middle of midfield, Ianis Hagi revealed that he is revelling in his new role for Rangers.

“When I came to Rangers I could only play in any of the front three positions but I have added this into my game from two seasons ago.

“Obviously, the injury came so I couldn’t actually play in that (deeper) position too much but my mind was always there.

“I knew I could play there.

“I had a few questions in my mind about it but I’ve answered them this pre-season and I’m happy about that, so I have no problem in playing deeper.

“I like it. I’m more on the ball and I have runners in front of me, so I am happy.”

It always seemed a more natural fit for Ianis Hagi at Rangers.

In a team that dominates possession, having someone who has a good work rate, with his vision and passing range makes sense to play him as a number eight.

The 24-times capped international is also more likely to have a shot at goal from outside the box compared to others in the squad.

What playing as a number eight means for Hagi is that his relative lack of pace isn’t as much of an issue and he can be more influential running from deep.

Chasing balls into the channels or in behind defences just isn’t his game.

Given how Michael Beale wants to set his team up, in domestic football, Ianis Hagi could be a key player for Rangers despite him having been linked with a move away.

He would add a good balance to runners like Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell and Jose Cifuentes with more quality in possession that John Lundstram and Ryan Jack.

With competition fierce in the forward line, Hagi’s move to a deeper role could well be the difference in his career at Ibrox and one that seems him return to having the sort of impact that was key to winning title 55.