It’s been a common criticism of Ryan Kent throughout his Rangers career. For all the speed and the directness he brings to the table, the winger’s end product often leaves a lot to be desired.
You cannot say the same of the man who may replace him at Ibrox. In 29 outings for Aris Thessaloniki this season, Luis Palma has scored 10 goals and set up six more. That is 16 goal contributions, three more than Kent despite playing 13 games fewer in a league of similar, if not slightly superior, quality.
In Kent’s defence, Palma has featured as a centre-forward at times this season. But, for the most part, he does much of his best work in the wide positions. Cutting in to devastating effect on either foot.
When watching Palma pick up possession on the byline and drive infield, it is clear to see the influence Cristiano Ronaldo has had on the 23-year-old’s career, and his style of play.
Can Rangers replace Ryan Kent with Aris star Luis Palma?
“(Ronaldo) is my idol,” Palma told Honduran legend Carlo Costly a couple of months ago, pulling out CR7’s new ‘sleeper’ celebration after hitting a hat-trick past PAS Lamia in November (Deportes).
Many of Palma’s goals are reminiscent of the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend too; fired with almost mathematical precision into the far corner.
Rangers, Sporttime say, scouted Palma during Aris’ 2-2 draw with Olympiakos on Sunday. And while the ex-Real Monarchs loanee might not have added to his burgeoning goal tally, Rangers’ presence at the Karaiskakis Stadium – coupled with Kent’s expiring contract – suggests there is more to this rumour than mere speculation.
The phrase ‘no smoke without fire’ comes to mind.
“I’d like to play in the Spanish league, or the Premier League. I like the Bundesliga a lot too,” adds Palma, who also models his game on Arsenal icon Theirry Henry.
“I’d like to go to the Premier very much. I am inspired by those leagues, but we are going step by step.”
Rangers may not ply their trade in the Premier League, La Liga or the Bundesliga. What they can offer, however, is an ‘intermediate’ leap into one of Europe’s top five divisions. A ‘stepping stone’, if you will
If Palma can bring his impressive goals-per-game ratio with him to Ibrox, numbers far superior to the exciting but enigmatic Kent, it surely won’t be too long before English or Spanish clubs come calling. For both Rangers and Palma, this is an arrangement that could work out beautifully for all involved.
Rangers get an outstanding attacking talent for a year or two, a bucketload of goals and a tidy profit to boot. Palma, meanwhile, gets the chance to prove he belongs at the grown up’s table after making child’s play of the Greek Super League.
