Argentine winger Angel di Maria has suggested that Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland is more than good enough for the England Euro 2024 squad.
The legendary former Real Madrid attacker now turns out for Europa League rivals Benfica and has been speaking ahead of the visit of Rangers this week.
Benfica overcame Toulouse in the Europa League playoff after dropping out of the Champions League but facing off against Rangers, veterans of the competition at this stage, poses a whole new challenge altogether.
It’s a competition that Angel di Maria is relishing but the 36-year-old from Rosario reckons Benfica will have to overcome one of Europe’s top goalkeepers in Jack Butland if they’re to beat Rangers.
Angel di Maria hails Jack Butland
Jack Butland has been one of the signings of the season and Rangers fans have relished the contribution of the former Crystal Palace goalkeeper.
And the 30-year-old’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed by Gareth Southgate either, who is reportedly lining up an England call-up over five years on from when Butland was last in the squad.
Speaking about the challenge of facing Rangers, Angel di Maria branded Jack Butland one of the best goalkeepers in Europe as he talked up the Europa League clash.
“Rangers wasn’t the best opponent for us in this draw but at this stage, every rival is complicated,” said Angel di Maria, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“We have the first match at home so we’ll need maximum concentration to get a good result. It will be decided in Glasgow but we have to go there with an advantage.
“I don’t predict many goals in this tie. We have watched Rangers and they have an excellent squad.
“The keeper, Butland, is one of the best in Europe. They have the experience of James Tavernier – and Fabio Silva will be super-motivated for this match.
“If we control the ball against Rangers, I’m convinced we can score goals. But this will be a big battle for us. We wanted to be in the Champions League but our challenge now is to reach the Europa League final.”
Rangers travel to Benfica for Europa League trip
Rangers know that Jack Butland will have to be at the top of his game if they’re to overcome the challenge of Angel di Maria and Benfica.
The Argentina winger clearly buys into the idea that the Ibrox goalkeeper is England quality and a strong showing in the Europa League will only cement the stopper’s chances.
Rangers are also not the only side heading into this clash off the back of a defeat, with Benfica being trounced 5-0 by rivals Porto over the weekend.
It’s given Rangers the blueprint ahead of what promises to be an enthralling match at the Estadio de Luz and let’s hope we’re still very much in the tie next week in Glasgow.
