New York City FC manager Ronny Deila has told The Scottish Sun that Rangers have signed a ‘coach’s dream’ in James Sands, following the defender’s loan-to-buy transfer to Ibrox.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst landed his first signing as Gers boss on Wednesday in the United States international. Sands will spend the next 18-months in Glasgow on loan, before the Premiership champions can trigger an option to buy.
The 21-year-old helped NYCFC clinch the MLS Cup last year with 30 appearances, including in the play-offs. He started each of his games, split between outings in central defence and as a holding midfielder. Sands can also play at right-back and helped to eight clean sheets.
Rangers have so far shut out seven sides over their nine matches under Van Bronckhorst in all competitions. They also kept clean sheets in each of their last six Premiership fixtures.
Former Celtic boss Deila is adamant Rangers have secured a top talent with Sands’ transfer from New York City. He is also confident the seven-cap star chose the right side to join.
“Rangers are signing a really top player. This is the right move for Sands,” Deila said. “When he goes to Scotland, Rangers should be very pleased. I have talked to him about Scotland, about Celtic and Rangers, and told him he couldn’t pick a more exciting place to play.”
New York boss Deila compares Rangers new boy Sands to Kieran Tierney
Deila also feels Sands is an ideal player for managers to work with as the Rangers new boy gives everything. The NYCFC chief additionally likens what the New York-native offers to Kieran Tierney, who left Celtic for Arsenal at 22 for a Scottish record £25m fee in 2019.
“James is a coach’s dream, just like KT,” he added. “He is always the first to come into the training facility and always the last to go home. He gives everything 100%, every single day.
“He has an incredible appetite to learn and become better… But it’s his attitude that makes him the best player for a coach. Kieran had that at Celtic and it took him to Arsenal, where he is getting better and better. It’s the same with James, and it can take him to the top.”
Tierney left Celtic with five Premiership titles and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in his first season in London. He has now played 76 times for the Gunners so far and laid on 12 assists.
Rangers will hope Sands can now live up to New York City boss Deila’s billing and continue developing in Glasgow. While the NYCFC chief’s claim will give Van Bronckhorst confidence the USMNT star once mentored by Andrea Pirlo can fight for a key role in the Ibrox ranks.
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