Ianis Hagi’s recent comments on Rangers striker Hamza Igamane and former forward Alfredo Morelos provide valuable insight into the expectations and pressures of leading the line for a club like Rangers. At just 26, Hagi is one of the most experienced players at the club, and his perspective on the young Moroccan striker offers a glimpse into both the challenges and opportunities that come with filling such a pivotal role.
Hagi has seen his fair share of talent during his career, which spans stints in Romania, Italy, Belgium, and now Scotland. His experience has afforded him a nuanced understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. When asked about the similarities between Igamane and Morelos, Hagi acknowledged that while both players share the ability to score goals, their styles and qualities are distinct. He remarked, “Are they natural goal scorers? Yes, they are. Are they different in terms of qualities? Probably yes. As a striker when you sign for Rangers, you need to score goals, and at the moment, Hamza is doing that.”
Hagi’s words highlight the high expectations placed on Rangers strikers. Both Igamane and Morelos have endeared themselves to the Ibrox faithful with their ruthlessness and character, but the Romanian playmaker made it clear that each player brings their own unique attributes to the team. While Morelos was known for his physicality, unpredictability, and at times controversial antics, Igamane has made a name for himself with his technical ability and composure at a young age. Despite these differences, Hagi emphasized the one crucial similarity between the two: their natural goal-scoring instinct.
At just 22, Igamane has embraced the challenge of stepping into Morelos’ shoes, a task that comes with significant pressure. Rangers fans have quickly taken to the young Moroccan, whose performances have helped fill the void left by Morelos since his departure in 2022. Hagi’s recognition of Igamane’s potential is particularly noteworthy given his own experiences of dealing with pressure and expectations. As the son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, Ianis understands better than most what it means to live up to a legacy while carving out a path of his own.
Speaking after Rangers’ win over Aberdeen, Hagi stressed the importance of teamwork in supporting Igamane’s development. “As long as he stays fit, he’ll definitely score goals,” he said. “Myself and the other players that play behind him need to create as many opportunities for him as possible.” Hagi’s comments underscore his leadership within the squad and his willingness to take responsibility for ensuring that Igamane receives the service he needs to thrive.
Hagi also addressed the personal challenges Igamane may face as a young striker leading the line for a club with Rangers’ level of scrutiny and expectation. “Everybody has a different character,” Hagi noted. “He’s a young lad, and hopefully guys like myself and other players who have more experience can help him whenever he has tough situations or faces things he hasn’t dealt with before.” This sense of mentorship is crucial for Igamane, who is navigating the unique pressures of playing for a club where the demand to win is unrelenting.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Hagi’s comments was his admiration for Igamane’s ability to handle these pressures at such a young age. “I don’t think there’s many players around the world that can cope with this type of pressure,” Hagi said. “Where you have to not only perform but perform and win every three days. It’s tough. At 22, to be able to do that, you can’t really find it around the world that much. Those who can cope can achieve so much moving forward.”
Hagi’s praise reflects not just the high regard in which Igamane is held but also the potential he has to grow into a world-class player. Rangers have a long history of developing talented strikers, and Igamane’s performances suggest he could be the next in line. His ability to cope with the demands of playing for Rangers at such a young age is a testament to his mental toughness and maturity, qualities that will serve him well as he continues to develop.
For Rangers, the hope is that Igamane’s rise will not only translate into success on the pitch but also a significant financial return in the future. While Morelos left under a cloud of unfulfilled potential, Igamane has already shown signs of being a more consistent and reliable performer. With the support of experienced teammates like Hagi and a clear focus on his development, Igamane has the opportunity to achieve great things at Ibrox and beyond.