More experts than individuals who might reasonably be described as a “jack of all trades” make up Philippe Clement’s Rangers midfield.
Recently, Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin have performed exceptionally well together. Because of their excellent ball-playing skills, limitless energy, and astute passing, the hard-running pair has given Rangers a platform, especially in Europe.
However, in 95 games, Raskin and Barron have only combined to score one goal for the Rangers.
Ianis Hagi Nedim Bajrami, Kieran Dowell, and Tom Lawrence are all much better off moving forward than backward. In the meantime, Mohamed Diomande has had both successful and unsuccessful games this season due to continuous discussions on his ideal place inside Philippe Clement’s lineup.
In Croatia, Marko Soldo is the subject of similar inquiries. However, Soldo is proving to be as impressive in almost every region of the field, not because he hasn’t yet established a specific role in NK Osijek’s own midfield.
Soldo has been used in both attacking and defensive positions in the middle of the park only this season. The Croatia Under 21 player was also seen patrolling the right-hand flank in 2023–2024, and he has even filled in at center-half on one occasion.
Rangers’ target Midfielder Marko Soldo is the whole package.
Ahead of the January transfer window, Rangers News can exclusively disclose that Marko Soldo is a target. The Glasgow giants have made multiple attempts to scout him, and the 21-year-old should not be financially out of the Gers’ grasp despite a reported asking price of around £2.5 million.
Despite beginning his career with a more defensive mindset, Soldo acknowledges to Germanijak in his native Croatia that he has adapted to his more forward-facing position like a duck to water.
.He may support this claim by citing his current Croatian league season total of four goals and four assists, which is already a career-best performance in both categories.
Since I was younger, the number six has been my primary position, says Soldo. However, I was accustomed to playing as an offensive midfielder because I had done so in the past. I frequently play as a number eight in Osijek. I occasionally move to the tenth position.
“I have no trouble adjusting to the coach’s requests in order to achieve a successful outcome. Additionally, I like [being close] to the opponent’s goal. I have more opportunities to score and help.
In recent transfer windows, Rangers seem to have given versatility more weight.
In January 2023, when Diomande first arrived on loan, Clement emphasized his tactical adaptability. Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling have played almost anywhere in the defensive third, while Nedim Bajrami can play as a number 10 or a winger.
Marko Soldo would give Ibrox “extreme” power.
Germanijak, on the other hand, emphasizes Soldo’s exceptional blend of athleticism, creativity, and deft movement when out of possession. Soldo struggles to make his typical impact in that position for Croatia’s Under 21 team, so if there is a weakness in his game, it’s when he is asked to pull the strings from a deep-lying playmaker role.
In the offensive phase, Germanijak explains, “He can be in charge of defensive stability, for creation, or to have the role of a box-to-box midfielder, who is powerful in running, attacks the space.”
Coach Ivica Olic asked him to be a player that created and dictated the tempo for the Croatian U21 national team, which is how he was used there. He certainly does not fit this scenario.
Soldo is a contemporary midfield player who excels at positions that are not his natural fit and can be found all over the field. And that speaks volumes about the quality of character and adaptability he possesses.
Physically, he is also incredibly strong and adaptable.
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