BBC pundit Steven Thompson gave a damning review of Rangers striker Danilo following his start to life at the Ibrox Stadium, as featured on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound programme.
He said that, in Rangers’ game against Servette FC, Danilo ‘didn’t look a real goal threat’ and that he ‘didn’t cause problems with his movement’.
Additionally, he also seems to think that Danilo is not a worthy successor to Rangers’ previous star striker from South America, Alfredo Morelos.
However, he did have nice things to say about another of Rangers’ summer signings – Cyriel Dessers. He said that he is ‘physical’, but also added that he lacks mobility.
What did Steven Thompson say in the interview regarding Danilo?
On Sportsound, Thompson said: “It is too early to make any judgements really just now. You are better placed to make a judgement on them in a couple of months time.
“But I felt as though Danilo struggled in the game, to have an impact. It didn’t really suit him and he misses the chance. Probably his confidence and head probably goes down a wee bit. Dessers offers something different, more physical but not quite as mobile.
“The jury is out for me. The thing is when you are replacing Morelos, not talking about his last couple of seasons, but the amount of goals that he scored and the player he was when he was at his peak, he could cause defences all sorts of problems.
“I felt Danilo didn’t cause problems with his movement, running at players, didn’t look a real goal threat. He has a lot to do but we are three games into his new club and he hasn’t got off to a flier, and hopefully for him and for Rangers he can build up into the player they want him to be.”
Can Danilo be a success at Rangers?
Of course, to judge Danilo at such an early stage in his Rangers career would be foolish. The talent is there – he just needs to find a way to translate it into the hustle and bustle of Scottish football.
Last season, while playing for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, Danilo scored 14 goals in competitions, alongside four assists. Can he rediscover this solid form?