Former Rangers defender Michael Ball believe a move to Ibrox will be a ‘great’ one for departing Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell.
On Friday afternoon, Canaries director Stuart Webber confirmed that Dowell will be on his way out of Carrow Road, the 25-year-old’s contract expiring this summer. Not that he’ll have to wait long to find employment elsewhere.
According to the Daily Record, Dowell has already agreed a three-year deal at Ibrox, joining Mick Beale’s Glasgow giants on a free transfer.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Kieran to step up and show he can play for a huge club like Rangers. He deserves his chance,” Ball, who played for Dowell’s former employers Everton before winning a league and cup double with the Gers in 2005, tells the Daily Record.
“It’ll be a great move for Kieran. He’s a talented boy. A technical type who is very clever in the way he drops deep and finds space.
“He has got an eye for goal too, but he also likes to bring the players around him into play. He’s different to what Rangers have at the moment. Keiran’s not going to be like Ryan Kent and hang out wide.”
Rangers agree deal for Norwich City’s Kieran Dowell
Ball draws comparisons between the languid, elegant Dowell and Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham; one of the most technically-gifted attackers of his generation.
Scorer of five goals from attacking midfield in 2022/23, Ball adds that the Todd Cantwell connection – they played together south of the border at Norwich – should help Dowell adapt quickly to life in new and high-pressure surroundings.
“Looking at his attributes, it’s like he’s got eight out of 10 for everything,” Ball adds. “A great touch, the awareness to find space and he can finish.
“Does he have the temperament (to thrive in Glasgow) I think he has. I don’t see much fazing him. He’s got a lot of belief in his ability.”
Dowell will likely slot in alongside Nicolas Raskin as part of an all-new midfield at Ibrox. His arrival should also help Beale move on from Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, all of whom are due to depart in a matter of weeks.
“(Dowell) will need players around him who will complement his game as much as he will theirs. He’s not a guy who will run past five players and stick it in the top corner,” Ball points out.
“But he does have the technical ability to hurt teams. The fact he should have an understanding with Todd Cantwell from their time at Norwich should help too.”
