OPINION
It is no coincidence that Rangers returned to winning ways last weekend following the return of Lassana Coulibaly.
The Mali international opened the scoring after four minutes and ran the show until he was withdrawn after 56 minutes with Steven Gerrard’s side 3-0 up against Dundee and in total control.
What a return to action for Coulibaly, who had been absent for a month with a hamstring injury and had been sorely missed in the defeat to Celtic earlier this month.
The Scottish Sun report Rangers fans could be seeing a lot more in the future of the 22-year-old, who joined in the summer from French club SCO Angers on a season-long loan.
It is said the “early signs” are that the Glasgow giants will look to convert the loan of Coulibaly, who has a contract with the Ligue 1 side that runs for three more years, into a permanent deal next year.
He would be a brilliant full-time signing for the club.
Of the 15 summer signings made by Rangers, none has been more impressive than Coulibaly, bar perhaps goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who looks like he could still do a very good job for a Premier League club.
The 10-times Mali international has predominantly been used in the midfield anchorman role who protects the defence and launches attacks, but he is far more than a water-carrier.
Coulibaly is also composed on the ball and his distribution is such he could be the best Scottish central midfield import since Victor Wanyama.
Steven Gerrard has spoken warmly of Coulibaly’s strength and awareness in midfield, and his partnership with Ryan Jack, who was injured last weekend, gives Rangers hopes of mounting a serious title challenge.
The Ibrox faithful would love for the loanee to sign permanently. They know class when they see it and Coulibaly has it in spades.