Eros Grezda’s performance against Hearts proved that he’s going to be a fine Rangers player.
Grezda made just his eighth Rangers appearance today, and just his fourth start for the club also. The 2-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle put the club back to the top of the Premiership. The game also kicked off what’s going to be a hugely busy month containing nine fixtures.
Connor Goldson and Alfredo Morelos were the heroes for their goals in the encounter. They’ll rightly earn their praise along with the likes of Andy Halliday and Daniel Candeias.
What today also proved, however, was that Grezda has the fight and quality in his locker to make an impact in Glasgow.
Playing in an unnatural wide-left position, the Albanian looked such a threat. Teasing Michael Smith with his quick feet, Grezda often got a yard on his opposite man. In a first-half in particular that was scrappy, Grezda did well to create a couple of openings.
Some close calls
Zdenek Zlamal in the Hearts goal had to be alert on a couple of occasions to deny the little winger. It was a positive attacking display from Grezda, who showed that he can adapt his game to play on either side when suited.
Yet, this was a game that largely called for a ruthless streak and nastiness to the players. Hearts were determined to win many of the midfield battles, and Grezda had to show he could toughen it up when called upon.
That he did. Tenfold. On several occasions he tracked back to get some vital challenges in and halt Hearts’ momentum. The winger didn’t shirk any challenges, and looked at one with the rest of the squad in their bite in the challenge.
Grezda did get taken off midway through the second half, however. He would’ve been wanting to get another 90 minutes under his belt, but at the time he was a necessary choice to come off.
Rangers splashed out around £2million on Grezda in the summer. They want to start seeing some form of return on it. Finally, however, it looks like they’re starting to see it if his Tynecastle performance was anything to go by.
