Rangers full-back duo James Tavernier and Borna Barisic are a striker’s dream with former Ibrox frontman Antonio Colak raving about their ‘phenomenal’ delivery from out wide.
Antonio Colak might have lasted just one season at Rangers – shunted out the door as Mick Beale looked to bring in a centre-forward capable of offering more out of possession – but no one could accuse the well-travelled Croatian of failing to fulfil his goalscoring duties.
Colak scored 18 times in all competitions across 2022/23.
A number of those were set up by James Tavernier and Borna Barisic; Rangers’ long-serving full-backs providing a steady stream of pinpoint deliveries from either flank.
Rangers’ assist machines
“Tav and Borna have phenomenal crosses,” Colak tells Rangers Review. “As the striker, you need to form a relationship and know where the ball will arrive. On the other side, your team-mates need to understand your movement and how you work.”
Now at Parma – Colak has made a bright start to life at the Serie B promotion-chasers – the experienced frontman looks back on his short-lived spell in Glasgow with a great deal of pride, with his absence, and the struggles of Cyriel Dessers, making the supporters’ hearts grow that little bit fonder.
“I still get messages every day from Rangers fans and that is crazy,” Colak beams.
“Scoring at Ibrox was just an incredible feeling. When I look back at my goals and see the fans roaring, it still gives me goosebumps.
“I wish absolutely nothing but success for the club. It’s such a unique club and something you will never get out of me. Rangers will always be part of my life and I can always say I was part of this club.
“Even the other day, you see the TIFO against Hibs… What the fans give to the club is incredible. They’re giving their heart and soul for their team and that’s what they expect from their players. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world in terms of dimension. Rangers will always be part of my life.”
Rangers have ‘incredible’ fans
Colak has three goals in nine games so far since joining Parma over the summer.
