Ianis Hagi îs your typical mercurial playmaker, capable of anonymity before producing a match winning moment or bit of magic that can drag his team back into a game – see Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague as the latest example.
One keen observer to the Gers number 7’s career is Brazilian legend Rivaldo who, speaking to a Romanian journalist and reported by The Daily Record, claims that he wouldn’t be surprised to see his son’s former Viitorul Constanta team-mate head to the Premier League – following his current gaffer in the process.
Speaking after recent speculation linking Steven Gerrard with a return to Anfield, he said:
“I am sure Gerrard will go to Liverpool one day and maybe Ianis Hagi could make the step with him and follow him to Anfield.”
Gerrard has been full of praise for Hagi this season as he learns to cope with the demands of playing for Rangers and the physicality of Scottish football:
“He’s someone you have to drag off the training ground.
“Ianis is always in the analyst department too. He’s never out of the gym, so he’s an absolute dream to work with, very low maintenance.
“We’re delighted with how he is developing and progressing and we’re happy to have him.
“But Ianis is one we are supporting and trying to push in all different kinds of areas, to keep him evolving and growing.
“But he has really delivered in terms of his contribution recently.”
Hagi would have liked more goals this season but still has seven to his name, added to his 12 assists, he can be proud of his contribution – 29 goal involvements in just 26 full games is not to be sniffed at.
He has some way to go before he can be considered as ready for one of Europe’s super powers, however, if he continues the same work ethic and lineal progression, why not?