As Manchester United supporters will tell you, Erik ten Hag is a pretty impressive judge when it comes to identifying quality.
There were understandable concerns when United splashed out nearly £150 million on Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – three players the former Ajax boss knew from the Eredivisie – last summer. But with Champions League football returning to Old Trafford and one trophy in the bag – a second potentially on it’s way – you won’t find many questioning Ten Hag’s judgement these days.
His admiration for one Sam Lammers, meanwhile, should brighten the mood of Rangers supporters questioning the logic of targeting a striker who’s goal record in recent seasons would make Wout Weghorst look like Erling Haaland.
Rangers, according to the Daily Mail, have been sending scouts to watch Lammers recently. While still technically an Atalanta player – La Dea paid £8 million to sign the Dutchman from PSV back in 2020 – Lammers has spent the season toiling on loan at relegated Sampdoria after similarly unsuccessful, short-term spells at Eintracht Frankfurt and Empoli.
In fact, since the start of 2020/21, Lammers has scored just six goals in 67 games.
It’s fair to say, then, Rangers would not be signing a striker in form; a la Matija Frigan, Josh Maja or Nikola Krstovic. Lammers, who turned 26 in April, would be something of a rehabilitation project.
Can Rangers turn Sam Lammers’ career around?
There’s certainly a player in there somewhere. Buried deep down. A 19-goal season at Heerenveen back in 2018/19 is proof of that.
“I think Lammers is a very smart football player,” Ten Hag said a few years ago, the youngster’s Heerenveen form paving the way for his big-money switch to Serie A.
“Compliments to the club and the coach (for signing him).”
As recently as four years ago, some in the Netherlands were drawing comparisons between Lammers and arguably the greatest Dutch striker of all time – Marco van Basten. A testament to the volume and the artistry of his finishes; Lammers’ rangy frame belying his highly co-ordinated stride. His accurate shooting off both feet, his velveteen touch, and his ability to drop deep and play in team-mates with clever through balls, meanwhile, meant he stood out even in a league chock-full of prolific goalscorers.
It’s fitting that Ten Hag didn’t describe Lammers as a ‘very good’ player but a ‘very smart’ one. A man who’s intelligence in and out of possession earned him that £8 million move to an Atalanta side renowned – at the time – as one of European football’s best when it came to recruitment.
Rangers may have their work cut out putting Lammers’ career back on the right track after four largely barren years. But the potential rewards certainly make the risk seem that little bit more more worth it.
