Sakala earns Toney comparison as analysts give verdict

Social media can be a wonderful thing when used correctly, we have seen the ugly side at times this season but when it comes to assessing how good a new signing can be, it can be invaluable.

If you can remember as far back as the 80s and 90s you had to either know the player from the domestic league or have seen them in European Championships and World Cups, other than that you were pretty much in the dark, nowadays though, there is a raft of analysts and scouts lining up to give you the lowdown before a new arrival even sets foot in the country.

Fashion Sakala was announced as a Rangers player this week, Vital Rangers first with the story in Scotland – The Sun still tried to claim an “exclusive” an hour later though – and there is excitement over what the 24-year old Zambian international will bring to Steven Gerrard’s side.

The good news it that the social media boffins all seem to back the move and are unanimous on at least one aspect of his game, he is rapid. The most in depth look at Sakala was provided by Patrick Caskie, who has studied everything from the player’s early career right through to how he could fit in at Ibrox.

🇿🇲| Fashion Sakala Analysis

With Sakala’s singing announced, here is a preview of what you can expect from the Zambian at Ibrox.https://t.co/ng77TBexXU

— Patrick Caskie (@CaskiePatrick) May 4, 2021

Adam Thornton from the Heart and Hand podcast has also analysed Sakala and although early signs were that there were similarities with Jordan Jones, he later quantifies this by adding that he is on a “higher level” and “very impressive” when it comes to dribbling and finishing.

Not sure how I feel about Fashion Sakala if rumours are true. Only watched him a few times – maybe a bit of a Jordan Jones vibe about his skillset but on a higher level.

Every goal is a ball over the top for him to run into acres of space…space he won’t get playing for Rangers pic.twitter.com/EVLMm9k1zz

— adamski152 (@adamski152) May 1, 2021

Footballstewart, AKA “The Radar” is a well known Rangers analyst and he has highlighted how he thinks Sakala will be used by Steven Gerrard, backing him to compete with the likes of Ianis Hagi rather than Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos.

If im a betting man I’d put money on him being a striker that plays on the right/left rather than through the middle. https://t.co/JLJ4GVPIUt

— . (@Footballstewart) May 4, 2021

Perhaps the most interesting one though, and one that might have been missed by Gers fans is the graphic provided by Andy Forrester whose day job is analysing players for potential transfers, he went as far as to recommend Sakala to English Championship clubs this season so knows full well what he is capable of – that he compares his development to Ivan Toney who is on fire for Brentford is a positive early sign.

We recommended Fashun to a Champ club this season. Similar trajectory to Toney in development but a year behind. Belgian league is a lot more attack-heavy than SPL & less counter-attacking opportunities at Rangers so let’s see how he adapts https://t.co/JnkOy2AIOM pic.twitter.com/bwcXNb5ZDr

— Andy Forrester (@AndyForrester1) May 4, 2021

Whether you like it or not, this is modern football. Michael Beale himself paid tribute to the analysts working at the club only last week, they are hugely important in narrowing the search for players who can fit into a system and be developed even further – ultimately, making a substantial profit further down the line.