Rangers boss Michael Beale has once again hailed Fashion Sakala after his performance against Hibernian on Wednesday night.
Sakala had earned praise from Beale over the weekend having scored in the 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock.
Beale suggested that Sakala was ‘electric’ at times against Kilmarnock and we saw more of the same on Wednesday.
Sakala was a menace against Hibernian and set up Antonio Colak’s first goal with a nice left-footed cross.
The Zambian added a goal as he fired home from inside the box before adding another assist, again setting up Colak to score.
Two assists and a goal is a great return from Sakala, especially after bagging a goal at the weekend.
Beale was delighted after the final whistle and told the Daily Record that he felt Sakala was ‘unplayable’ at times against Hibs.
Beale noted that Sakala was signed as a striker and is still learning the Scottish game, but is making a real impact out wide in the Rangers attack – especially away from home.
“Fashion is still a young man and he’s getting used to the hustle and bustle of Scottish football, even now. We signed him as a striker and he’s been shifted out wide at different times,” said Beale. “The system suits him at the moment, certainly away from home when teams come after us and it opens up space. He has a chance to score or assist in every game. He doesn’t always get them but is working away and he was unplayable at times,” he added.
Fashion Sakala can be a Rangers star with more consistency
Sakala joined Rangers from Oostende in 2021 and has blown hot and cold.
The 25-year-old has so much pace and can cause problems to any defence but the end product has been inconsistent.
We have seen Sakala bag two goals and two assists in his last two games, which is great to see.
Yet we also saw Sakala miss a golden chance in the Viaplay Cup final against Celtic with the score at 1-0.
To really take the next step forward, Sakala needs to refine that end product and make sure he’s hitting the target or picking out teammates in the final.
It’s clear that Sakala can do it but Beale will be looking for him to contribute goals and assists regularly – and ultimately build on his impressive last couple of appearances.