When Rangers had a centre-half pairing of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander, it was one that could be trusted and one that Philippe Clement would love to have at his disposal now.
The manager must have thought he’d nailed it when John Souttar and Robin Propper were outstanding against Malmo, however, the last two domestic fixtures have shown that the squad is still light.
Clement has hooked Propper in his last two starts, a sign of how poor he has played and it was his replacement, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, who showed that Rangers might not have to dip into the market just yet.
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Neraysho Kasanwirjo could fill position prediction for Rangers
The 22-year old Netherlands Under-21 international looked solid at right-back and when he moved into the middle to accommodate James Tavernier’s arrival off the bench.
It is a position that former Groningen assistant manager, Alfons Arts, believes that he is made for.
When asked why they signed the Ajax academy talent and what traits led now Liverpool boss Arne Slot to sign Kasanwirjo, he said:
“Nana joined us from Ajax as a talented young player, it was here that I spent over two years working with him.
“We brought him to Groningen as a centre-back but given our style of play, he was also capable of playing at right-back and in centre-midfield.
“If you know how Ajax works, they always play from ball possession because that is their philosophy.
“I think playing next to Robin Propper would be good for him, to coach him through the game. Those two could be a very good couple in the defence.
“Not dissimilar to the partnership that Propper had with Mees Hilgers (a faster, young centre-back) at FC Twente. They speak the same language which can be an important detail on the pitch.”
As soon as Kasanwirjo moved inside, Toyosi Olusanya became less effective. Propper didn’t just lose the physical battle, he lost the mental battle too.
‘Nana’ as he is known as, immediately engaged the Saints striker higher up the pitch and didn’t let him run in behind, the Rangers No.24 was also happy to go toe to toe in a wrestling match or a foot race – qualities that Clement could use more often when the centre-halves are needed to defend half a pitch on their own.
That Kasanwirjo is comfortable carrying the ball out from the back could also be a huge asset for breaking opposition teams who press.
What is the fee for Kasanwirjo’s option to buy clause?
Kasanwirjo was signed on loan from Feyenoord on deadline day and seen as a replacement for Ben Davies in terms of his spot on the roster.
There are no similarities between the pair though with the young Dutchman considerably more athletic and a stronger one v one defender.
There is an option to buy the versatile defender, but it is an option, not an obligation and there is no fee reported either.
Feyenoord paid a reported £1.5m for Kasanwirjo to give an idea of a ball park figure.
Given his performances in three different positions, it would be a surprise if the summer arrival isn’t back at Ibrox next season too.
