SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Rangers fans during the UEFA Europa League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt v Rangers at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, on May 18, 2022, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
The Rangers playmaker who was loaned out, Ianis Hagi, is back to his best. The Romanian star is, in the words of Florin Cernat, “the most complex player” he has ever encountered while playing for his country.
The £3 million playmaker for Rangers is gradually finding his form again, which used to be a major source of excitement at Ibrox.
After spending so much time on the sidelines, Ianis was loaned out to La Liga rookies Alaves over the summer. The benefits of playing regularly for the first team are evident, as the son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi is putting on performances on the international scene that his legendary father would have been proud of.
In the 4-0 thumping of Andorra in October, Hagi was brilliant. He was named Romania’s Player of the Month for a performance.
With Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Israel, it was his masterful goal that guaranteed a spot in the European Championships for the summer.
Rangers ace Ianis Hagi back in form
“I said a few years ago that Razvan Marin of Empoli and Ianis would captain the national team. However, I was aware that it would require some time. They were still little when I stated that. They adapted quite well over time, Cernat, a 14-time player for the Tricolorii, told GSP.
“I’ve observed their potential, played with them, and been with them. They currently rank among the most significant players.
“With Ianis, it was only a matter of time. I was not worried about his qualities, because he is perhaps the most complex player I have seen so far. I mean… hitting the ball with both feet, intelligence in the game, things that he has.”
Hagi heading to Euro 2024
It is unclear whether Hagi will get the chance to begin his Rangers career under Philippe Clement after his loan from La Liga expires. The former ace of Genk and Fiorentina is most effective when deployed in a center attacking midfield role, but Clement may also use players like Todd Cantwell, Tom Lawrence, and the developing Sam Lammers in this area.
