As Rangers cruised past Ross County on Sunday afternoon, Rafael Fernandes really could not have wished for an easier start to life at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement was wary of throwing the LOSC Lille loanee in at the deep end following his mid-season switch to Glasgow.
But this, Rafael Fernandes making his Rangers debut moments after James Tavenier rattled in a penalty put the home side 4-0 up, was the footballing equivalent of a new signing being handed his armbands and taught the doggy paddle in the calmest of waters.
The highly-rated centre-half arrives to boost Rangers’ oft-injury-hit backline.
A former Portugal Under-21 international, Fernandes is a natural right-footer. Therefore, he should provide some much-needed support for John Souttar, the Scottish colossus marking his return to the Premiership stage after two months out with a rare goal as Ross County were swatted aside with consummate ease.
To quote Nils Koppen, Rangers’ technical director, Rafael Fernandes fits into the ‘young’ and ‘exciting’ category like a number of other recent additions; From Jefte to Hamza Igamane, Connor Barron to Clinton Nsiala.
It is not just Fernandes’ potential and considerable re-sale value that caught Rangers’ eye, however, but also his suitability to Philippe Clement’s tactical approach.
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Rangers think Rafael Fernandes is perfect for Philippe CLement
According to Rangers Review, there is a feeling at Ibrox that Fernandes has the qualities required to thrive at the heart of Clement’s high-line, not to mention the aggression and timing needed in a man-for-man defensive set-up.
His former coach in the Sporting Lisbon academy rattled off a series of attributes, last month, that should equip Fernandes well in a Rangers shirt.
The 6ft 3ins Rafael Fernandes is a prolific winner of duels, both in the air and on the ground, and also quick enough to avoid being exposed by direct balls in behind Clement’s high line.
“Rafael was always one of the stand-out talents throughout Sporting’s youth age groups,” Pedro Coehlo told Rangers Review.
“He’s always had very good technique on the ball alongside physical skills. He’s very tall, very fast and strong in the duels. For the position he plays at centre-back, he has a very good heading game which is very important.
“Technically, he is at a good level able to commit to his decisions, although his passing over medium distances is better than over long distances.
“Physically, he is very strong and in football, the physical skills are very important.”
Lille loanee could make first start in the Scottish Cup against Queens’ Park
The noises coming out of Auchenhowie, meanwhile, suggest that Rangers feel they have landed an ‘unreal’ talent in Rafael Fernandes.
Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with Queens’ Park feels like the ideal occasion for a full debut, meanwhile. Clement is expected to shake up his starting XI against the Championship outfit. There could be opportunities, then, for the likes of Findlay Curtis, Paul Nsio and Bailey Rice while Ross McCausland will also hope to feature after scoring in the last round against Fraserburgh.
Fernandes did not make a single Ligue 1 appearance after joining Lille from Arouca to the tune of £2.5 million a year ago. Former Gers midfielder Andy Halliday feels that is less a reflection of his own talents, and more to do with the options Lille already had at centre-half.
“The boys who were keeping him out [include] Leny Yoro, who Manchester United have signed for 50 million [euros],” Halliday points out.
“There is another boy, [Bafode] Diakite. It is proper players who are keeping him out the team, to be fair.”
