Five years is a long time in football and for Rangers, it has been a rollercoaster ride with more troughs than peaks.
This time last year, Philippe Clement was in the process of dragging his squad to the top of the Scottish Premiership table only to get there and for it to be downhill ever since.
A stirring performance against Aberdeen will restore some hope that all is not lost in the manager but it is a night that will be remembered by Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi for another reason.
Ianis Hagi celebrates Rangers anniversary but best yet to come
It is five years since the former Golden Boy nominee made his debut at Ibrox against the same opposition as he faced on Wednesday night.
He was unlucky not to mark his performance with a goal, however, speaking before the game to Sky Sports, it’s clear that Hagi is happy where he is, and where he is going:
“It was a cold night! It made me realise, the football that is being played here,” Hagi said when talking about adjusting to the Scottish game.
“I came off the bench minute 76, if I’m not wrong, it was a good introduction to Scottish football.
“I quickly realised that it’s not only about….European games are not like Scottish games so, that helped me, it helped me because it made me realise quickly that, you know, I need to adapt to this type of football.
“It was a tough game, a cold night!
“There are challenges that lie ahead of you in your football career and it’s about, those moments define you.
“So, you either pass them through or not.
“I definitely decided to always accept the challenge that’s ahead of me and try to find ways to go past them.
“Luckily I’m in a position now where I can say that I came through that part well and that I’m in a happy position.
“I’m enjoying my football, I feel like I’m a better player, a better person, compared to five years ago.
“There’s still so much more to learn, I still feel like I have so much more to give on that football pitch so things are looking really clear for me right now.”
How has Hagi’s game changed since Rangers debut?
Hagi has changed how he played from when he first signed for Rangers and they certainly won’t entertain the £1.5m valuation being considered by Genoa.
Originally a lightweight winger with not much pace, the Romanian has bulked up, become more aggressive and is a pivotal member of Clement’s side.
The 26-year old is still capable of beating his marker in wide areas, however, he is at his best when dropping into midfield and setting other players free with his wide range of passing.
His vision is his best asset and, since returning to the team, he does look like a new player, one who seems intent on grabbing every game by the scruff of the neck.
If he’s got more to give, Rangers are only going to get better as a result.
