South African legend Benni McCarthy has given his verdict on what sort of player Rangers have signed in Bongani Zungu – and admitted that he was contacted by the club as they done background checks on the midfielder.
Zungu’s deal finally went through shortly before Monday’s deadline after a prolonged pursuit lasting several months but McCarthy insists that he is worth the wait for Gers fans.
“They had a good idea of what kind of player he was and wanted my opinion on him as well,” McCarthy said, speaking to the Scottish Sun. “I told them they’d be getting a real good one if they signed him.
“Not only is Zungu a great player, he is a fighter.
“I’ve watched him blossom over the last few years and Rangers have got themselves a fantastic footballer.
“He is the complete midfielder, very comfortable on the ball and so strong in the tackle. He can play as a defensive midfielder too because he is so good at cleaning up.
“But he also offers you an attacking threat and he can score goals.”
McCarthy is South Africa’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the only South African to win the Champions League, doing so with P0rto in 2004.
The former Ajax, Porto and Blackburn star is adamant Zungu will make Rangers a better side – and is confident he will be “absolutely fine” with the physical side of Scottish football.
“Zungu can do everything in the middle of the park,” McCarthy added, “that is why Steven Gerrard was so desperate to sign him. He is a tough tackler and if you need someone to put their foot in then he is capable of that. If you need someone to go in for a tough 50/50 challenge then he is your guy.
“He will definitely improve Rangers and make them more effective. I think he will be absolutely fine with the physicality of Scottish football.