Rangers weren’t expected to spend big money in the January transfer window but when Mohamed Diomande arrived, it was a sign that Philippe Clement was going to be backed.
The Gers boss will see £4.3m out of his summer budget disappear when the 22-year old’s loan move is made permanent which will have given the young Ivorian plenty of time to adapt to a new country and the size of the club.
Making his Rangers debut against Ayr United, Mohamed Diomande looked sharp and was unlucky not to score with an audacious overhead kick but will the number 10 role he deputised in be the one we see him in most often?
Rangers have new Aribo in Mohamed Diomande signing
There are immediate comparisons that can be made with a recent Ibrox departure.
Diomande might not have the same 6ft 3inch frame but his technical and athletic ability make him a dead ringer for £10m Southampton signing Joe Aribo.
Speaking to Rangers TV after making his first start for the club, it’s easy to see how Mohamed Diomande’s flexibility could come in useful in the squad:
“I can play anywhere in the middle.
“So I can play No 6, No 8 and No 10 also. I just use my opportunity to help the team.
“Wherever the manager plays me, I am just going to try and do my best for the team.
“My position is No 8, but I can play anywhere in the middle.”
Aribo played everywhere in midfield, the forward line and even at left-back in that memorable Braga comeback.
Diomande might not quite have that range but his display at the weekend is one that gave an insight into what type of player we might have on our hands.
There wasn’t the same dribbling threat that Aribo carried, but what he did show was a willingness to move the ball quickly and support the attack.
With John Lundstram holding down the anchor role in midfield, competition to play alongside him is fierce.
The good things is, there is no rush to throw Mohamed Diomande in straight away and that he can be given time to adapt to a new formation and style of play in the most pressurised of environments.
Where he fits into that formation, only Philippe Clement knows.
