Rangers have a ‘unique talent’ on their hands in Ianis Hagi with legendary referee Adrian Porumboiu one of many baffled by the playmaker’s omission from Romania’s national team roster.
The absence of Hagi from Romania’s squad ahead of this month’s international clashes with Andorra and Belarus has been the subject of much debate, from Basov to Bucharest.
Edward Iordanescu’s team, after all, is not one brimming with high-quality attackers. And, while Hagi only recently returned to first-team action following 13 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, many critics have questioned why a player of his defence-splitting talents was not called upon as Romania look to begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with two wins and six vital points.
“(Hagi) had to be called up. For his morale, for the morale of the team. You have to show him that the national team needs him,” Porumboiu, who officiated three Romanian Cup finals, tells ProSport.
“It’s a mistake of judgement towards the player and even towards the team.”
Rangers’ Ianis Hagi left out by Romania
Hagi’s legendary father, former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe, did little to hide his frustrations. Hagi Sr is baffled by suggestions that Iordanescu does not rate a man he labels ‘Rangers’ best player’ before that ACL rupture (Digi Sport).
“I am on Ianis’ side,” Porumboiu adds. “I have nothing to do with Gheorghe Hagi. I’m on Ianis’ side because, in the end, the real national team, which will achieve results, will be formed around him.
“He has immense talent. He’s both a left-footer and a right-footer. He has talent. In my opinion, he is a unique talent. I don’t see another more talented player.”
Iordanescu, in his defence, has explained his decision behind leaving Hagi at home with great clarity. The Romania boss told Rangers’ number seven that he’s better off focusing on fitness after such a prolonged absence; the former Genk youngster having played only 31 Scottish Premiership minutes so far this term.
It’s certainly unlikely that Mick Beale will be too disappointed to see Hagi stick around and spend the international break getting himself back up to full speed.
‘Hagi will return a better player’
“Basically, he needs patience,” Hagi’s father adds. “Give him time and he will return better than he was before.
“Ianis was very unlucky to get injured through no intention of his opponent. It was a serious injury. Very serious. And wasn’t even just a typical knee injury.
“He came back, he worked very hard and I can already see how he is very happy to be back. But he has only been back a month and great care must be taken because he was out for over a year.
“You can’t be out for a year and expect that after just a month back, you will be up to speed with the tactics and especially the physical aspect of the game.
“During this period out, he matured. Will he return a better player for it? I think so. He’s healthy and mentally strong.”
