Rangers never really replaced Daniel Candeias. A statement that has been said countless times after the Portuguese winger left the club.
A double against Marseille at Ibrox days before his departure left fans wondering if Steven Gerrard had made the right decision.
Numerous players have been tried in what has become a real problem position for Philippe Clement after the sale of Fashion Sakala left Rangers woefully short of winger options in the squad.
Rangers target Vaclav Cerny given high praise from legend
A new name has emerged after the disappointment of missing out on Yusuf Kabadayi and the ‘advanced talks’ for Adama Traore led nowhere – Vaclav Cerny.
The Czechia winger enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Eredivisie before signing for Wolsburg last summer, however, he hasn’t quite been able to replicate his double digits goals and assists tally.
With just 12 starts in the Bundesliga, the 26-year old appears to be looking for more regular game time and a social media connection to Rangers might just become reality after the interest was confirmed with Cerny said to be “on his way” to Glasgow.
If it does, Rangers won’t just replace Candeias or Sakala, they will significantly upgrade on them.
Speaking to Flashscore, Czech football legend Jan Koller was asked whether or not Cerny could replicate the feats of one of the best right wingers in modern history – Arjen Robben:
“They are both left-footed and like to play one-on-one. Cerny is one of the few Czech players who can do that. He has worked hard for it. He has a very good shot. So, yes, there are similarities. But of course he is far from the qualities of Arjen Robben .
“I think he has already gained enough experience. He was already at Ajax Amsterdam and if he hadn’t had any major health problems, this transfer would have happened sooner.
“I am very happy that he has found great form. If he stays healthy, anything is possible. His style of play and his self-confidence are at such a level that he can successfully establish himself in the Bundesliga.”
Rangers could seal immediate upgrade in Vaclav Cerny
Cerny only managed five goals and one assist last season, however, he also only played 1000 minutes which gives him a more than respectable return per minute played.
What is clear, is that when you hear the likes of Koller or Marc Overmars waxing lyrical about Cerny, you realise that he is better than anything Rangers currently have.
Scott Wright looks set to depart and Ross McCausland is fine as backup and as a homegrown option, but they aren’t at the level needed to take Rangers forward.
Vaclav Cerny is an established international who has ripped up a league better than the Scottish Premiership.
He might not be Arjen Robben, but for Rangers he might be just as important.
