Fashion Sakala has been a Rangers player for two seasons now and despite being a constant cause of debate, there is one thing that can’t be argued – he brings numbers to the attack.
Being able to play through the middle or out wide gives the 26-year old more chance of game time, as does his blistering pace and high work rate.
A goal against Hamburg reminded everyone why Fashion Sakala might not be the obvious departure from Rangers that many expect.
The Zambia international has 24 goals and 15 assists in his two seasons at Ibrox so far, with a lot of these appearances coming off the bench.
For perspective, in ‘20/21 he started 10 of our league games and in ’22/23, 17.
Typical Fashion Sakala for Rangers in Hamburg win
Against Hamburg, it was a typical Fashion Sakala performance for Rangers.
He would cut inside, into defenders, when the space was on the outside or had a teammate in space at the back post.
Easy possession would be lost trying to do something that wasn’t on rather than keeping the ball moving.
However…
It was his pace and determination to back up an initial press by Kieran Dowell – who was impressive again – that led to the opening goal.
And again, it was the way that he attacked the by-line that saw a Hamburg defender lunge in and give away a penalty.
On top of these pivotal moments, he was involved in two others where either he or a teammate should have scored due to his good work cutting in from the wing.
A £4m move to Saudi Arabia has been reported by The 4th Official and, for that sort of money, Michael Beale probably has his eye on someone with more control.
The problem with Fashion Sakala has never been what he did do for Rangers but what he doesn’t.
He’s missed two open goals against Celtic alone, in key fixtures.
Rangers need better than that and players like Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers and Danilo have been targeted for that reason.
As a backup option or a player to bring off the bench and stretch defences when there is space in behind, that is when he comes into his own.
A consistent Fashion Sakala wouldn’t be at Rangers but maybe we should appreciate him for what he does, rather than what he doesn’t do.
Whilst he is here at least.
