Rangers-linked Danilho Doekhi [DailyRecord] has continued his fine run of form by scoring again in a 4-1 Vitesse victory over Nijmegen which boosts their hopes of European football next season.
The hosts didn’t exactly start off well as they went a goal behind just after halftime following a goalless first half, although this seemed to spark the team into some life.
Doekhi scored the equaliser with a header from a corner kick, which was the defender’s second goal in three matches, and this opened the floodgates for Vitesse.
A double from Dominik Oroz and a last-minute effort by Thomas Buitink completed the thrashing as the side established their grip on a European spot for next season.
Vitesse currently occupies the sixth spot in the Eredivisie, and this would be enough to secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League.
Danilho Doekhi continues fine form as Ibrox problems mount
Doekhi has impressed in his previous three matches following a sticky spell during two consecutive 5-0 defeats to Ajax and PSV. He has scored twice over those three matches and with Rangers defensive problems continuing to rear their head, the Dutchman could have been a popular January signing.
The 2-2 draw with Motherwell on Sunday highlighted some errors from the backline as Connor Goldson was partnered with John Lundstram in what was a surprise pairing.
With John Souttar joining in the summer on a pre-contract from Hearts and the contracts of Goldson and Leon Balogun unresolved, there could be an almighty shuffle in the Gers defence.
Vitesse was demanding a fee of £2m to sign Doekhi during the January window, and although he looks like an excellent long-term option, this wasn’t financially viable with only six months left on his current deal.
Looking back, this may have been a mistake on van Bronckhorst’s part as the Ibrox side has now conceded 14 goals since the winter break.
Let’s hope that a deal can be done for the Dutch centre back in the coming months as Gio begins to look ahead to the future.
