Giovani van Bronckhorst coming in at Glasgow Rangers could be good news for Jermain Defoe, if his past comments are anything to go by.
Van Bronckhorst to Rangers?
The Daily Record claim that Van Bronckhorst is now the front runner to land the Rangers job after Steven Gerrard’s departure.
The Dutch boss appears to be closing in on becoming Rangers’ next manager, after meeting with the club last week.
And his comments about Defoe now look to be very interesting.
The Rangers striker has played just eight minutes this term, as his playing role in the squad seems to have been reduced.
But Van Bronckhorst was actually a big advocate of Rangers signing Defoe when he came on board and is clearly a fan of the veteran striker’s talents.
“Every side needs a blend, Rangers will have plenty of experience in Defoe and Davis,” he said back in 2019 to the Scottish Sun. “They have had excellent careers and are excellent professionals.
“But they will want to show they have plenty more left to offer — and that’s why they will be crucial to any success Rangers are to have in the new season.
“Defoe still has the ability to score many goals and link play in the final third. Davis is very calm and stamps his authority in the middle of the park.”
Back in the team?
Now, just because Van Bronckhorst once talked up Defoe’s ability doesn’t mean that he will be a guaranteed starter all of a sudden.
But the arrival of a manager who clearly values experience could be positive news for the 39-year-old.
Defoe may be looking for a route into coaching and reaching the twilight of his career, but he has not hung up his boots yet.
And he could still have a part of play on the pitch for Rangers, if he can impress the Dutch manager in the coming weeks, providing he is appointed.
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