Philippe Clement is starting to turn a corner with a Rangers team that has frustrated since the opening day of the season.
The squad that lined up to face Tottenham Hotspur looked as strong as it has since 2022 with the manager now having options for the first time since walking through the doors at Ibrox.
Leading the way is Hamza Igamane who has emerged as the jewel in the Rangers player trading model crown with Leon Balogun comparing him to a Premier League great.
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Leon Balogun compares Hamza Igamane to Didier Drogba
Speaking ahead of the Premier Sports Cup final clash with Celtic, Rangers No.27 has been full of praise for his fellow African:
“I think it’s really good to see that he’s able to put things that you’ve seen in training, well, you didn’t, but we’ve seen in training! It’s good that you can see him put that onto the big stage when it matters,” Balogun said.
“I think he’s had an excellent run. Hamza is a strong player. The way he controls the ball with his chest to me… I don’t think I’ve seen it a lot.
“I don’t want to praise him too much, but it reminds me a little bit of Didier Drogba, but that’s a big one, so don’t tell him I said that!
“No, but it’s very refreshing, it’s very nice to see it. And, yeah, he’s delightful. He’s got a bit of cheek to him as well. Loves a nutmeg. He’s been really, really good. I think his performances speak for themselves.”
Is Igamane the main reason for Rangers upturn in form?
He isn’t the only reason, but he is certainly a big part of it.
A tactical tweak has seen Rangers be more adventurous, however, it helps when players like Mohamed Diomande, Vaclav Cerny, Nicolas Raskin, Ianis Hagi and Danilo all play to their best level – and there are others who could be added to that list.
What Igamane has done, and Balogun alludes to it, is link Rangers forward line to the midfield.
On too many occasions this season, attacks would break down with Cyriel Dessers either trying to run in behind or playing first time passes, sometimes even playing good passes with runners off him straight back to the centre-halves.
Igamane is almost a throwback centre-forward, like Drogba, but with a little bit more flair.
If he has half of the Chelsea legend’s career, he’ll have done just fine.
