Rangers recruitment strategy took a new direction in January when younger, more dynamic players were targeted with Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande, in particular, signings that excited the fans.
Gers boss Philippe Clement wants his squad to be capable of maintaining a high intensity of play with the players who have been brought in all fitting the profile that he needs to bring entertaining football to Ibrox.
Rangers needed depth on the wings and Oscar Cortes is already looking like a shrewd acquisition, Kenny Miller going as far as to compare him to a certain £6m international on Clyde Superscoreboard.
Rangers given Oscar Cortes transfer seal of approval
It might only have been against lower league opposition but, Cortes has already shown the intent and positivity that Rangers need from their wide men.
Playing against low blocks most weeks can make it a difficult task for wingers when faced with two defenders, however, the Colombia international has shown a flexibility that none of the others in our squad have.
If Rabbi Matondo is chaos, Ross McCausland control and £6m Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima all about goals, having someone who can do all three really would take our front three to the next level.
This is a point that has been made by Miller as he reflects on an impressive start to life at Rangers for Oscar Cortes:
“I think he’s got that one-v-one ability, you saw that when he came on against Aberdeen.
“He’s a different proposition to the likes of Matondo and Sima, I think he brings a lot of the qualities that they’ve got into one player.
“Sima’s maybe not the ball carrier or the dribbler but he’s got an eye for goal, Matondo’s got the pace.
“I think Cortes could be, and it’s only early..”
And to host Gordon Duncan asking, “The best of both worlds?”
To which Miller replied, “Yes.”
What has been striking is Cortes’ decision making for a 20-year old.
Against Ayr United, whenever he had space to attack, he would lead the defender one way before going the other.
He had the awareness to slow down play when he needed to but also when to drive with an immediate purpose and on more occasions that not, he got it right.
There seemed to be no weakness between driving to the by-line on his left to cut the ball back or cross and cutting inside onto his right to shoot.
Each time he chose the latter, he gave the keeper something to do.
Miller is right, the initial signs are good and that Rangers have signed a well-balanced and productive winger in Oscar Cortes and this time we can keep him for good if we trigger the loan-to-buy clause in the summer.
