Rangers may have left it late against Dynamo Kyiv even if the performance meant that a draw was the least that was deserved.
Philippe Clement would relish the extra money that qualifying for the Champions League would bring and the potential for new signings, however, in the meantime he must make do with the players he has in his squad.
After an impressive cameo in Poland and his finest since signing for Rangers, Jefte may well have saved the manager a bit of money and solve an injury related problem.
Rangers have solution to Oscar Cortés injury blow
The young Brazilian who cost £800,000 from Fluminense has looked uncertain defensively in pre-season, but what he has shown, is that he is more than happy in possession, playing on the front foot and trying to make things happen.
After the unfortunate injury to Oscar Cortés, Jefte could well be the answer.
Scott Wright has failed to take either chance that he has been given from the start and Ross McCausland continues to work hard without offering any real sort of threat.
On top of this, Rabbi Matondo is taking pounds off his valuation with every performance at the moment given how poor his form has been.
Clement can’t sign any upgrades until he moves one or more of them on, an issue that has affected recruitment all summer.
Against Dynamo, Jefte tracked back to cover Ridvan Yilmaz, rotated with the left-back and was, positionally, as good as he has shown since arriving.
What was exciting about the 20-year old, was how he drove at his marker, got to the by-line and threw in several good quality crosses.
All of his best traits appear to be in the final third.
It doesn’t say much for the other three that Jefte has instantly looked like a better fit on the wing than those who claim it to be their natural position.
Clement has to adapt and change his plans for Jefte
When Rangers signed Jefte, it was clear where Philippe Clement saw him contributing:
“Jefté is an exciting young defender, and I am delighted that he has joined our squad so early in the summer period. He has already shown he is a player of great quality and potential and I am confident he can play a big part in our squad moving forward – I look forward to working with him in the months to come.”
What is more likely – when Cortés is fit – is that Jefte gets more game time at the back with Rangers dominating possession.
In the short-term, Jefte offers a pace and quality that has made an impact in the front three already an could become an Ibrox favourite.
As Dujon Sterling proved last season, if you get the chance to impress, it shouldn’t matter what position it is in, you just have to take it.
Jefte did – with both hands.
