Rangers pushed Celtic all the way in the Premier Sports Cup final and came agonisingly close to ending Philippe Clement’s Old Firm jinx.
They didn’t, and the manager is under more pressure than at any point since stepping foot into Ibrox to take charge.
Should Rangers lose to Celtic again, the outcome feels inevitable, however, with Ianis Hagi available again, the squad will be stronger.
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How Ianis Hagi can make the difference for Rangers vs Celtic
The Romanian missed the draw with Motherwell due to a virus but will be determined to make an impact in his first home derby for over two years.
Hagi is one of only a few players who seems to thrive on the demands of playing for Rangers and couldn’t have done any more at Hampden in terms of effort.
The 26-year old is also the only player in the squad with a winning record against Celtic, and that counts for something.
Despite being his preferred position, Nedim Bajrami has struggled in the No.10 role, aside from a disciplined display in the last derby where he netted the opener.
Using Data MB’s analysis model, Hagi has made an immediate impact since returning to the starting XI with the absence of a goal preventing his numbers from looking perfect.
He is involved in everything in the final third and is capable of delivering passes to break down opposition defences or of carrying a threat with the ball at his feet.
What Hagi also brings to Rangers, is mentality. Not only does he talk well, but he backs up his words with positivity and leadership on the pitch too.
With Kasper Schmeichel trying to get in his head during the penalty shoot-out, the playmaker was the only Rangers player to face the Celtic keeper square on and play him at his own game.
Could Hagi be on the move?
After a 2024 that many will want to forget, Hagi is looking forward to what 2025 might bring as he gets linked with a move away from Rangers:
“Yeah, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions,” Hagi said of an eventful 2024.
“Probably that’s the best sentence for it! But at the moment I’m really enjoying my football. I really feel like what’s ahead of me is really exciting and hopefully I can help the team every game and bring my qualities and my creativity on a daily basis for this football club.”
Hopefully, it starts with a match-winning derby performance.
Hagi has spoken at length about his love for Rangers and, unless he is chased out of the club, seems intent on becoming the main man.
An Ibrox derby wouldn’t be the worst place to lay down a marker.
