As revealed by the Glasgow Times, Steven Gerrard confirmed a conversation with Manchester City hero Vincent Kompany, which confirmed the qualities of his star man, Kemar Roofe.
Roofe was a player that was already familar to Gerrard and many fans in the UK, especially with his exploits at Leeds, but his former manager at Anderlecht gave a glowing recommendation to Gerrard and admitted that he did not want the player to leave, such was his positive influence.
Kemar Roofe is shining in a Rangers jersey and after signing a four year deal at Ibrox, he looks to be a mainstay for the Gers for some time to come.
He has scored 12 goals so far this season in all competitions, including a wonderful strike from beyond the half way line against Standard Liege in Belgium.
The impact has been clear and Ibrox gaffer Gerrard was effusive in his praise for the Walsall-born attacker.
Gerrard said: “He’s been a pleasure to coach and to manage. He’s very low maintenance. He comes in and does everything that’s asked of him.
“He’s very thorough in his preparation, he works extremely hard and he trains the way he plays.
“He’s a leader in the way he goes about it, not necessarily in the vocal sense, but he’s definitely someone you want alongside you.
“He’s an example to everyone else and the goals speak for themselves. He’s done that throughout his career but it’s been a real eye opener to be around him.
“We have been surprised by his leadership skills and qualities and to appreciate how much of a winner he is.
Due diligence and that chat with Kompany.
The Rangers manager continued: “Before we make signings we do a lot of due diligence into their characters, what they are like.
“Everyone spoke extremely well and I obviously had a lot of dialogue with Vincent Kompany about the player as well. Vincent didn’t want to lose Kemar.
“That is the reality of it and tells a story but certain managers and certain clubs maybe have to make certain decisions that are out of your control.
“I knew before I went to Vincent that we were dealing with a top player, a goal scorer and a workaholic, someone who is relentless in terms of regaining the ball and had loads and loads of quality.
“To add a leader in the group, and someone who is low maintenance, is two major bonuses from a managers’ point of view.”
Gerrard and all at Rangers are set to see much more from Roofe as he further settles in to life at Ibrox. In his current rich vein of form, the fans will be hoping that he continues to shine to lead Rangers to silverware at the end of the season.