Experienced boss Alex McLeish has claimed that Bruno Alves is “sticking out like a sore thumb” in terms of his leadership abilities in the Rangers team.
The 35-year-old centre-back is one of nine players to have made the move to Ibrox this summer with Pedro Caixinha overhauling the squad that finished in third place last season.
Alves was unable to feature in the club’s recent Europa League humiliation due to being given extended leave away from the club after featuring for Portugal in the Confederations Cup.
Now, former Gers boss McLeish believes the squad are in desperate need of a leader and has told that the centre-back veteran could make a huge difference to the Rangers side.
“We’ve still got to see Graham Dorrans and Bruno Alves, who had a good tournament with Portugal during the Confederations Cup. He looks a leader,” told McLeish, as quoted by the Herald.
“It’s amazing what two or three players can do to a team in terms of inspiring others with confidence as well. If ever they needed a leader, it is now, and Alves is the one sticking out like a sore thumb.
“I don’t know what his legs are like now. Obviously he is playing alongside great players with Portugal, but he didn’t look like his legs were struggling.”
Alves is one of the most high profile signings of Rangers’ busy summer with the centre-back boasting a fine career to date which has seen him play for such clubs as Porto, Fenerbache and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
During his time at each of the three clubs he lifted four Primeira Liga titles, two Russian Premier League titles and one Super Lig crown.
The defender also told on his signing thathe didn’t join Rangers to finish in second place, showing that he was now keen to add the Premiership to his trophy haul, but it will take a stunning turn in form to overthrow Celtic, who have been able to establish their dominance.