Olly Dawes, an expert on EFL Championship club Preston North End, has tipped Daniel Johnson to shine at Ibrox, should Rangers complete a deal for the midfielder.
The Gers have been heavily linked with a multi-million-pound move for Johnson in recent weeks [Daily Record] and although Preston have made it clear that no deal has been agreed, it’s thought that the 27-year-old will move to Rangers if they meet the English club’s asking price.
Speaking to Rangers News, Dawes, the content leader at Deepdale Digest, has described Johnson as a technically gifted and versatile player.
“Daniel Johnson enjoyed arguably his best season for Preston last term, playing predominantly as a number 10 having been pushed forward by Alex Neil in search of more creativity,” he said. “He contributed 12 goals and eight assists, earning the club’s Player of the Year award in the process.”
“He has played in a deeper role in the past with mixed results, while he was first signed as something of a box-to-box player, being predominantly used on the left side of a midfield three in a 5-3-2 system.
“He is technically very good and composed on the ball with an almost languid style, which can be construed as laziness. That certainly isn’t the case, though, as Johnson has been key to Neil’s pressing style at Deepdale.”
While Rangers have started the 2020/21 campaign strongly, a draw against Livingston in August had many supporters clamouring for more dynamic midfield options, especially with Joe Aribo sidelined for a lengthy period due to an ankle injury.
Dawes says Johnson is not dissimilar to the ex-Charlton star and is capable of thriving in an advanced role for the Gers.
“Johnson has a superb left foot and isn’t afraid to shoot from range if given the chance,” he continued. “He is certainly a more attacking threat than the likes of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara and may operate in similar areas to Joe Aribo – though he isn’t quite as athletically gifted as the Nigeria international.”
“He has periods of losing confidence, which could be something to keep an eye on given that the pressure at Ibrox is completely different to that experienced at Preston. He’s proved a strong character in the main, though, and served as North End captain at the back end of last season.
“Now 27, Johnson is playing his best football, and has been so influential over the last year. If played as a number 10, I don’t see why he couldn’t replicate that success at Rangers, as he is a technically gifted and hard-working player entering his prime.”
