At the big Ibrox Noise rarity, we are actually going to praise Ryan Naderi. Ibrox Noise was heavily against the addition of the former Hansa Rostock man. Being a third division German player, we did not exactly think he was of the stock to be the right fit for Rangers. We could not quite fathom why Danny Rohl was bringing this guy in. His performances last season showed some industry and effort. But in terms of polish and finishing, he was miles off it. Consequently, we did feel, sadly, that we had been vindicated in our dubiety over this capture.
A clean slate under McInnes
As per always, the Rangers hipster fans would back anything, no matter how badly it was feasibly doing. But we have talked about the tabula rasa. That is a clean slate given to all Rangers players under a new manager. Derek McInnes gives all Rangers players a clean slate. There are those who are less in his plans, and they are surplus and vulnerable to sales. Ross McCausland is very likely to be one of those, Danilo another.
However, the point is that it is a clean slate for those who are clearly new signings and part of the squad. McInnes gives everybody the same opportunity to impress. And we must admit, the way that Naderi has approached pre-season did impress us. Indeed, he also spoke to the press prior to the Saint-Étienne clash. Not only is his English absolutely impeccable, but he is clearly an intelligent boy who knows what Rangers is all about.
Naderi embraces Rangers pressure
It feels like he has had a crash course in high-pressure football. He explained that he absolutely loves life at Rangers and the pressure that goes with it. He has clearly embraced the notion of just how much demand there is in being a Rangers player. However, he also pointed out that he is not just here to make up the numbers. He is here to play and to win. Naderi is not here for a holiday.
He could not believe getting the move in the first place, nor the fee paid for him. He had done well in the 3. Liga. But going from that level up to a club the size of Rangers really was quite the culture shock. It was a seismic shift in his life. But his attitude is bang on. We have to say, if football was won in a press conference, he would be a big winner for sure.
He spoke incredibly respectfully of Rangers and praisingly of the club, the fans and the city. He showed extreme positivity about his career at this club. He also showed that steely side where he is very happy to fight for his place as a Rangers player. He is in among himself and three other strikers. He is more than happy to be on the bench if he does not fit. The same applies if he has not delivered in training. He knows it is on him. He has to produce.
Could Naderi become Rangers’ poacher?
And we do feel that there is a place for Naderi if he hits the heights he needs to. You see, Naderi, as well as being a workhorse and a hard grafter, is fundamentally a bit of a poacher. Naderi is not the type who will take a massive dribble over 20 yards. He will not then rocket a shot into the postage stamp from 30 yards. That is not his play.
He is, however, more like Tore André Flo. Not just in gait, he is also very much like him in style. He will get into the right areas, make the right runs and get the finish. The question is, can he develop his poaching and finishing ability to be more clinical? That is the crucial part.
Attitude befitting a Rangers player
But it could be an excellent foil for either Lawrence Shankland or indeed Youssef Chermiti. Both could fit with this. However, he admits himself that he does not know if he will be first choice. But that is his intention. Of course it is.
We will see in time exactly how Naderi fits into the front line at Rangers. But we must admit his positivity and attitude do seem fitting, very fitting, for a Rangers player. And we wish him luck in proving himself.