Sam Lammers ‘superb work ethic’ and ‘decent technique’ could make him a success at Ibrox as Rangers agree a £3 million deal for the Atalanta forward.
A tally of four goals in nearly 60 games since the start of the 2020/21 season may have some wondering exactly why Rangers are taking a £3 million punt on the former Empoli, Eintracht Frankfurt and Sampdoria loanee.
Well, allow Kees van Wonderen to explain.
Formerly an assistant coach for the Dutch national team, van Wonderen watched Sam Lammers’ progress with a keen eye during his time in the Netherlands.
“What you get from him as a player is first and foremost a superb work ethic. He’s a left footed striker and is good technically,” Van Wonderen tells the Daily Record.
“He’s a player who has an eye on the tactical aspects of the game. He knows how to play an opponent and is a very clever guy.”
Rangers agree Sam Lammers deal with Atalanta
Lammers’ earned himself an £8 million move to Atalanta back in 2020 after scoring 19 times during a superb season at Heerenveen, Van Wonderen’s current employers.
Whether or not he can thrive at Rangers after failing in Italy, then, depends on whether Mick Beale can coax out the sort of talent that once saw Lammers finish joint-fourth in the Eredivisie’s Golden Boot race, a fee between the two clubs now agreed (Daily Record).
“You can see from his statistics as a young player that he knows how to score a goal. What Rangers are getting is a player who works so hard and brings with him a decent technique,” Van Wonderen adds.
“I can see him being a big success in Scotland. Rangers have signed a quality player who can make a big impact.”
Lammers will immediately become one of the tallest players in Beale’s squad. His 6ft 3ins frame, however, belies an elegance and a velvety first touch. Van Wonderen insists that Rangers fans should not expect Lammers to operate as a classic ‘number nine’ but perhaps as something more akin to a link-man behind an Antonio Colak or a Cyriel Dessers.
“Rangers will provide him with the perfect platform,” the 54-year-old adds. “Sam will hopefully get to play Champions League football, and that is also a platform to show himself.
“This move is considered a good moment for Sam by football people in Holland. If he wants to get himself into the international frame, then he needs to go to Rangers and score goals.
“If he does that then there is a space in the national side for him.”
