Scottish Premiership challengers Rangers are set to face Primeira Liga giants Porto in the Europa League group stages.
If Pedro Caixinha had got his way, perhaps Mateus Uribe would be lining up for Rangers tonight in the Europa League. Instead, the Colombian international will be wearing the blue and white stripes of Porto as Steven Gerrard’s side aim to secure what would be a statement win at the raucous Estadio do Dragao.
According to the Daily Record, Gerrard’s Portuguese predecessor, who spent an ill-fated seven months in charge of the Scottish Premiership giants between 2016 and 2017, is a big fan of Uribe.
Two years ago, the 6ft midfielder was still making a name for himself in his homeland with Atletico Nacional. He scored six goals in the 2016/17 season while forcing his way into the Colombia national team for the first time.
Two years on, Uribe now has 23 caps for his country, establishing himself as a key player for The Coffee Growers with his excellent form back home in south America paving the way for a big money move to Europe.
According to O Jogo, Porto paid £9 million to sign an enforcer renowned for his piercing passing and his tenacity in the tackle. Since moving to Portugal, Uribe has won possession back five times per game and Rangers will have to be at their very best if they are to bypass a man who is likely to start at the right of Porto’s midfield tonight.
Now, Rangers fans won’t need reminding that so many of Caixinha’s signings flopped spectacularly, from little-known youngsters like Dalcio to high-profile veterans like Bruno Alves.
Uribe, however, is one player who Caixinha appears to have got exactly right. The Record claims that the controversy-seeking coach recommended Uribe to Porto and The Dragons will be glad they took his advice.
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