What Rangers Fans Can Expect From Danilo

In the same article from The Mail linking Rangers with Abdallah Sima, Danilo from Feyenord was also mentioned. The piece states;

Sima and Dessers are the preferred options but there is also a back-up list of alternative options including Benie Traore and Danilo

Graeme Croser for The Mail

Danilo is a 24-year-old Brazilian striker currently playing for Feyenord, having transferred last summer from Ajax. He struggled for starting minutes in the Eredivisie last season so may be looking for a fresh start elsewhere. It’s always exciting being linked to a Brazilian, particularly in the forward positions, so let’s look at what he could provide Rangers.

The Numbers

• 34 Appearances (14 Starts)
• 39mins Per Game
• 10G/3A
• 16% Goal Conversion Rate
• 134mins Per Goal
• 0.6 Key Passes Per Game
• 0.9 Possession Won Per Game

These are his Eredivisie numbers and considering the amount of starts and minutes played, they are rather impressive. Danilo was crucial in helping Feyenord win the league title this season, averaging a goal contribution every 102 minutes. Being able to sustain averaging almost one goal contribution per 90 mins over a season is incredible. These type of numbers could really help Rangers in next seasons title race.

Playstyle

Danilo has that stereotypical Brazilian ability and confidence on the ball. He carries it forward very well and always looks to take on defenders. His composure while carrying the ball helps him to make the correct decisions with driving forward. While driving forward he looks to link up with the other forwards to try and make better goalscoring opportunities.

He played most of the season as a striker at Feyenord, occasionally filling in, in attacking midfield or left wing. As a number nine, he’s a good finisher, particularly when inside the box. Looking at his goals from last season, his excellent first touch in tight spaces allows him to get more opportunities inside the area when the ball is rebounding around. His finishes tend to vary between calmly placing the ball into the corner and smashing it passed the goalkeeper. He scored one goal from outside the area last season, and it was a worldie from 25 yards into the top corner.

The 24-year-old definitely isn’t scared of having a go from distance and has the quality to test goalkeepers from range. A great first touch, good technique inside and out the box and surprisingly aerial ability is what helps him get his goals. Danilo stands at around 5’7 but attacks the ball really well with his head. Three of his ten domestic goals were headers and high quality ones at that.

Positionally, he’s intelligent with his movement and varies up how he attacks the box. Like a poacher, he often attacks the front post at pace to try and meet crosses early. That being said, he is clever enough to hang back for the cut back to give himself an easy goal scoring chance.

He has the pace to be able to play on the shoulder of the last defender and break through on the goalkeeper. This pace also helps when he’s carrying the ball forward, especially for counter attacks.

One of his biggest strengths is his ability to bring others into the play. For his size, he holds up the ball well and his dribbling ability helps him hold it until others catch up. He’s an all round forward, capable of playing up on his own, with a partner or playing as a wide forward.

This is a rumour that excites me.

How Close is Danilo to Rangers?

Currently that remains unclear. The article for The Mail states that he is on a shortlist of choices to be one of Rangers new forwards. The club need at least two or three in this window and Danilo is an excellent option.

He was unable to displace Santiago Gimenez towards the end of the season, so may fancy a move to be first choice again. Feyenord got him on a free transfers last summer and Transfermarkt value him at €6.50m, it remains to be seen how highly Feyenord value him at this stage. Currently, assuming Gimenez remains in The Netherlands, the Brazilian will remain as back-up next season.

This one may come down to the fee Feyenord demand and if the player fancies the move, or wants to stay in the Eredivisie.

Conclusion

As I mentioned previously, when a Brazilian forward is linked, it’s hard not to get excited. This is a transfer rumour that I am fully on board with, price dependant. In my opinion, if Rangers can managed to bring in Danilo for <£5m then that will represent good value for money.

Danilo is a 24-year-old Brazilian forward who has played for Ajax and Feyenord, gaining European experience on the way. Players with this type of profile will always garner interest from both Europe and South America.

With the ability level we are talking about here, I don’t actually think there is much risk in this one. Even though the fee will be high for Rangers recent standards, I am almost certain, if the move didn’t work out, that the club could make their money back.

I think it’s obvious that I’m excited by this link. How do you feel about this one? Would you rather have Danilo than some of the previous names linked?