Abdallah Sima is on his way to matching Ryan Kent at Rangers even if he is “not as talented” according to Kenny Miller.
Kent spent five years at Ibrox, the first of those on loan from Liverpool, before departing Ibrox on a free transfer at the end of last season, joining Fenerbahce where he has struggled for form.
Sima arrived on loan from Brighton in the summer and has been one of the few success stories of the nine players signed by former manager Michael Beale in a big squad overhaul.
Ex-Rangers striker Miller talked up the impact of Sima – who has 11 goals in all competitions this season – and thinks his impact is matching that of Kent, even if he does not think he is quite as good technically.
In quotes reported by the Daily Record’s live blog (5 December, 19:08), Miller said: “He went on a brilliant run and then got a double at the weekend that led to the three points. He’s got eleven goals, I mean you look that is Ryan Kent’s position. That’s where he played and how long did it take him to get eleven goals? He was probably barely touching 20 over the course of his three, four, five seasons.
“Sima is well on the way, at least he’s giving you that goal threat from that position. He’s not as talented a footballer as Ryan Kent was, that’s just a fact. He’s not as technical, but he’s quick, powerful and hungry to score goals. He’s strong in the air attacking the back post and defending set-plays by the way. There’s a player there than when used properly he’s been very effective.”
Having a great impact
It is difficult to compare players sometimes. Kent scored 33 goals across his entire career at Ibrox but was undoubtedly an exciting talent and a fans favourite, and probably a player Philippe Clement would have liked to work with.
Sima has been in fine form, netting 11 goals already, and alongside Jack Butland is probably the only summer signing who can claim to have been a consistent success since arriving at Ibrox.
While both players play out wide, though, they do offer different talents and who knows what sort of impact Kent might have had if he were given the opportunity to play under Clement for example.
Either way, Kent is no longer at the club so it matters little. Sima is the man in form and the player Gers fans will be getting behind. If he continues in this vein of form, they will be calling for a permanent transfer.
