Lewis MacLeod believes Dujon Sterling can be a Rangers star in the Calvin Bassey mould.
Macleod played alongside the ex-Chelsea full-back – and Michael Beale’s other summer signing Kieran Dowell – for Wigan. He’s amazed Gers secured Sterling and Dowell for nothing and says that’s top-class recruitment work. Now Macleod hopes Sterling produces powerhouse performances in a successful Ibrox side and is worth millions in future years.
That was the money-spinning trick that copped Rangers £20million from Ajax for former Leicester City kid Bassey. Ex-Rangers midfielder Macleod said: “I liked Calvin Bassey at Rangers, he was a brilliant player. Dujon is a bit similar in terms of how they can get about the pitch. Bassey was really athletic, Dujon is athletic. Hopefully he also adjusts well to the Scottish game because it’s different.
“I’m sure he’s got the attributes for that. Following the Bassey example, is it about bringing him in for nothing and can you develop him so far that people come to pay really good money for him?
“His main attribute, for me, would be his defensive work. He was quite aggressive, very hard to play against and tough to get past. He covers ground very quickly with his big stride, he’s hard to beat in one-v-one situations and gets up and down the pitch. To get Dowell and Sterling without spending money is great business.”
Macleod had one word of caution, though, saying: “The only thing is keeping them fit. Doweller’s had quite a few injuries. On his game, his technical ability is unbelievable.”
