Rangers started the season with a shortage of playmakers that Philippe Clement could call on, especially at No.10.
The manager had to deal with the contrasting situations of two players who he would have loved for the Champions League qualifiers but had to make do without.
One of those was Ianis Hagi who, after a blockbuster return to Rangers action, is settling into a key role for the club.
Ianis Hagi sees Rangers dream come true after summer of discontent
Speaking ahead of playing Kilmarnock at Ibrox, the Romania international claimed that he only had one thing on his mind despite a summer of speculation:
“It is good to be back playing again and putting on the shirt – I love every second of it. I have been around professional football for a while and I understand things can change quickly, so I was trying to only control my environment and be prepared for what could happen,” said Hagi.
“I made it clear where I saw my future within this club, there were conversations and we both wanted the same thing and that resulted in me being here.”
Where should Clement play Hagi?
It had looked as though Clement wanted rid of Hagi when he seemed intent in not using the 26-year old, however, when a rumoured contract issue was cleared up, the mercurial midfielder returned to action.
In four appearances, Hagi has two assists and has come close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Off either foot, there are few players who strike a ball better in the current Rangers squad.
When asked to reflect on Hagi’s first start for the club since last August, Clement said:
“That he was good on the ball, that he created things, that he worked hard for the team, that he gave the assist also for the goal,” Clement told the media after the game.
“So that’s also an important one for offensive players to get stats. It was positive.”
The only question now is, where to play Hagi?
Since joining in 2020 and for his country, he has played most of his football on either wing.
It would therefore make sense to swap him with Nedim Bajrami who is the opposite, a player who normally plays at No.10 and is playing on the left.
Either way, Clement will just be happy to have two players who at least give him a chance to keep his job at his disposal.
