Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton were impressed by Jose Cifuentes as Rangers’ new signing caught the eye during an ‘impressive’ Scottish Premiership debut in Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of Livingston.
The Ecuador international might not have got his name on the scoresheet over the weekend. Unlike fellow new arrivals Sam Lammers, Danilo, Abdallah Sima and Kieran Dowell. But Jose Cifuentes’ Premiership bow was certainly a tantalising glimpse into the future of Mick Beale’s midfield.
Alongside the industrious Nicolas Raskin and the elegant Todd Cantwell; Cifuentes’ athleticism and running power appeared to give Rangers a different, more direct option in the centre of the park.
“I think Cifuentes was probably the pick of the players today. Along with John Souttar,” Beale says, via the Scottish Sun. I thought he had an excellent debut.”
Boyd agrees.
“Jose Cifuentes was impressive on his debut,” the Scottish Premiership’s all-time record goalscorer tells Sky Sports of the £1.2 million signing from Los Angeles FC.
“It was a good afternoon’s work for Michael Beale’s team and in the end they ran out comfortable winners.”
Jose Cifuentes shines as Rangers hammer Livingston
Cifuentes, labelled an ‘incredibly talented’ player by former LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo, was also included in Chris Sutton’s team of the week, alongside Celtic trio Matt O’Riley, Anthony Ralston and Kyogo Furuhashi; Sutton’s old employers triumphing 3-1 at Aberdeen on Sunday.
“Jose Cifuentes shone as Rangers secured a convincing success over Livingston,” Sutton tells the Daily Record.
If Cifuentes is only just getting going in Glasgow, then Rabbi Matondo’s second season in Rangers colours feels distantly make or break. But a promising cameo performance against Livingston – Matondo bringing pace and directness off the bench as Rangers scored three goals in the final 12 minutes – is a promising sign of things to come.
“He definitely brought (something different) when he came on, Matondo,” Boyd adds.
“It was better from Rangers in spells. You can see there’s signs of improvements. And I am sure, for Michael Beale and Rangers, it will only get better.
“It will have to.”
