Rangers fans have lauded Ianis Hagi after he starred in Thursday evening’s pre-season win over Lyon.
Much to the delight of their supporters, the Gers ran out deserved 2-0 winners at the Groupama Stadium in what was their first televised fixture in over four months, and Hagi played a big part.
Ianis Hagi started for Rangers against Lyon. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Romanian international was there or thereabouts when Rangers took the lead in the 20th minute but although the club’s Twitter account initially credited him with the goal, it was Lyon defender Marcelo who got the telling touch, diverting Ryan Kent’s cross into his own net.
Hagi did get on the scoresheet just five minutes later, though.
Picked out in the centre of the box by a Barisic cross from the left flank, Hagi swung a left-footed shot towards goal which deflected off Marcelo and into the bottom right corner.
With the weekend fixture against Nice in mind, the 21-year-old was substituted at half-time, but it was a productive outing for him nonetheless.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Hagi showed flashes of brilliance in Light Blue before his loan stint was cut short by the global health crisis, so most Rangers fans were delighted when the club sealed a permanent move for him in May [Rangers.co.uk].
Supporters have since called for him to be deployed as a genuine no.10 rather than on the right-wing and plenty were impressed by his efforts in a freer role behind main striker Alfredo Morelos in Lyon.
Here’s a selection of reactions to his performance from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Jaaesun/status/1283850237073936385
What a player.
— Cammy (@CammyHenry72) July 16, 2020
Worth 30m already
— Steve (@steveglasgo) July 16, 2020
Some player
— Brodie Donald (@brodiedonald3) July 16, 2020
Crazy what happens when he’s in the middle
— 👀 (@TLR0272i) July 16, 2020
Lots of positives tonight Edmunson was a rock, Tav played well. Hagi looked the part, Barker showed great pace. Mayo, Patterson should be proud of their efforts. Not phased at all by some big names. McGregor will have serious fight on his hands this season – McLaughlin fantastic. pic.twitter.com/WnjVx4Casi
— Rangers FC & Linfield FC (@bluesbrothers86) July 16, 2020
It was pleasing to see Hagi popping up all over the forward areas last night, a sign of things to come hopefully
— 🇬🇧 Stevie 🇬🇧 (@ToryglenRangers) July 17, 2020
Referee stood out for me. Clearly he sat his badges at Largs under the SFA.
Seriously, they all played well…Aribo looked a little shaky to me at the start but settled…Barker played very well!!!Hagi……..what a bargain!!!
— Super Rangers (@BlueStu1872) July 16, 2020