The question about Rangers not producing many good players from the youth ranks is one that should be taken with a pinch of salt.
How many should they produce every 5-10 years?
When you consider players like Nathan Patterson, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour all spent their formative years at Auchenhowie, there must be something right going on.
Billy Gilmour tipped to be Napoli success by Marco Negri
It is the latter who has been hitting the headlines recently with Brighton midfielder Gilmour set to do Rangers a favour and head to Serie A to join Ferguson, although they will be on opposite sides with Napoli said to be the former Chelsea midfielder’s destination.
Speaking to Tutto Mercato Web, ex-Gers striker Marco Negri believes that the 23-year old will be a hit in Italy:
“I know Gilmour very well. He went through the whole process at Rangers, unfortunately they were in difficulty. Chelsea offered a great sum for the boy, Rangers had to get rid of him, with him they could have created a midfield for the future.
“He was lucky enough to meet De Zerbi who gave him confidence and knowledge, I see him very well in Naples. He is a pure midfielder, a playmaker, he plays in front of the defence, he lets out when you want to start from deep, he always shows up, very good technically.
“He doesn’t have great dynamism or goals but he is a boy who in my opinion is very suitable: he is a Jorginho who can do very well with Conte.”
Gilmour a perfect fit to follow in teammates
Gilmour always seemed to have the sort of game that would see him suit a more technical league.
Not fully appreciated by Steve Clarke for Scotland, Antonio Conte will be fully aware of what he is capable of in front of the defence.
Negri isn’t completely accurate in his assessment though.
Rangers didn’t have to sell Gilmour, but when Graeme Murty went against a pledge to first team squad give him minutes in a cup game at Ibrox, the young midfielder’s mind was made up.
If only Steven Gerrard had came in a few months earlier.
Negri also claims that Gilmour isn’t dynamic.
It might be a lost in translation thing, but one of Gilmour’s biggest strengths is his athleticism and ability to get round the pitch.
He might not score goals, but rarely do teammates look up and not have him as a passing option.
As with Ferguson, Gilmour is making the sort of move that could take him to the next level – if only the Scotland manager felt the same way about the former Auchenhowie pair.
