Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side have been warned the winger could be a key player against Rangers this week.
Rangers could be set for a tough night in Poland on Thursday and have been warned one player in particular may be ready to shine, The Scottish Daily Mail report (20/08 print edition, page 79).
Rangers are in rampant form at the start of the season, but with Legia Warsaw in decent form too, they’ll need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
Now Legia scout Rui Marques has stated he believes that Brazilian 22-year-old Luquinhas could begin to live up to his potential in the UEFA Europa League play-off clash.
As quoted by The Scottish Daily Mail (20/08 print edition, page 79), he said: “I hope and think he can be the key player against Rangers.
“He’s a typical winger, very technical, from the Brazilian school. And he has a good mentality. He’s a player we hope will become a big star.
“I’ve known about him since I saw him playing in the Portuguese third division. I recommended him to Kansas City, told everyone there that this guy is something special, but nothing happened.”
Luquinhas recent playing history doesn’t particularly back up Marques’ words, but clearly the player has something to offer that should be taken seriously by the Gers this Thursday.
The Brazilian has failed to score or assist in his first seven matches for the Polish side, so will be hoping to have more of an attacking impact against Gerrard’s team.
Playing predominately on the left wing, it will be up to captain James Tavernier to keep him marshalled throughout the 90 minutes.
Rangers’ ambition won’t solely be keeping Legia quiet though. They’ll be out to score an away goal and set up the perfect second leg at Ibrox.
Can they rise to the challenge?
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