Todd Cantwell might not have been the hero Rangers fans wanted, but the once Liverpool-linked ex-Norwich City star is fast becoming the one they need.
Signed in the January window as Michael Beale began to stamp his influence on the squad, the reported £1.5m switch for the former Canaries midfielder certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Once the blue-eyed boy of the Premier League – with Todd Cantwell less than three years ago being linked to the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City [Daily Mail] – the last few seasons have been a challenge for the midfielder.
Change of management, off-field problems and a disruption to his ordinary routine left Todd Cantwell feeling ostracised and unloved at Carrow Road and a million miles away from the earlier £50m valuations.
Rangers fans warm instantly to Todd Cantwell
Rangers fans initially held a little scepticism with regards the midfielder but that has quickly been replaced with adulation as Cantwell finds his feet and a home in Glasgow.
Scoring again in the 5-2 win over St Mirren, Todd Cantwell was deservedly named Man of the Match for a positive, influential display that also seen him bag two assists.
Add those numbers of the two assists he provided against Ross County and Dundee Utd, as well as opening his goalscoring account v Motherwell, and suddenly we’ve added a key player in the team.
The next step is making an imprint on the bigger games in the division but Rangers fans have been treated to glimpses of the Todd Cantwell who had Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp taking notice.
Once Liverpool-linked star brings much-needed style and substance
The midfielder is a smart player, who combines neat close control with clear confidence in his ability as well as an eye for a pass and the ability to drive at defences and dribble.
At the same time, there is a discipline to the player’s game in the middle of the park and an intelligence that has Rangers fans already purring to the beat of his playmaking.
There is also a tenacity in Todd Cantwell; a willingness to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in, whilst his propensity to hold his ground in on-pitch scuffles has endeared him to Rangers fans.
Those links to Liverpool might be beyond Todd Cantwell, heck, so too those £50m valuations, but at 25-years-old and with bags of talent, Rangers fans can be assured of a major return on the park and off it if things continue as they’ve started with the player.
