Headline: Rangers Opt to Retain Vanja Dragojevic Amidst Squad Adjustments
Derek McInnes is currently solidifying the Rangers squad around a reliable midfield duo, with Nicolas Raskin and Dan Neil featuring prominently in a winning streak that has now extended to over a dozen matches. This unbeaten run has kept Rangers in close pursuit of leaders Celtic, following a challenging August that included two early European exits.
With a consistent starting lineup, the bench has become increasingly crowded, affecting one particular summer signing significantly. The 20-year-old Serbian, Vanja Dragojevic, joined from Partizan Belgrade in July as a club captain on a four-year deal. He managed to score a distant goal in the Premier Sports Cup in August, but has seen limited playing time since, with just one Premiership appearance for 45 minutes against Hibernian and four minutes in the League Cup victory over Celtic.
Dragojevic’s statistics reveal stark usage; he was substituted after an hour in the second leg against Jablonec, making way for Tochi Chukwuani during a notable 4-0 win over St Johnstone in October. Despite the limited opportunities, he possesses valuable skills, demonstrated by his clean strikes from distance, leadership as captain at Partizan, and last season’s performance in which he featured in 35 Serbian league games, scoring four goals while assisting three others. However, concerns about his physical presence remain, as McInnes emphasizes the need for intensity in duels and second balls following the game against Jablonec.
In terms of future plans, Rangers have no intentions to loan Dragojevic out in January, according to an exclusive report from Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider. The club invested around £4.6 million in him and anticipated an adjustment period to the new league and environment. The management still views him as a vital asset in the long-term vision for Ibrox, seeing the potential for him to secure a starting position.
The decision to keep Dragojevic can be justified, provided McInnes ensures he receives adequate playing time. A loan might not address the underlying issues, especially given that Rangers currently lack European fixtures to offer rotation opportunities. The team has relied heavily on Raskin and Neil, meaning any injury to either player could force Rangers to rely on an inexperienced substitute during a crucial title pursuit.
A more strategic approach would involve gradually integrating Dragojevic into matches, allowing him to play alongside established teammates in cup ties and less demanding league games. This would enable McInnes to evaluate his potential against Premiership competition without making assumptions. If there is no notable improvement by March, exploring a loan or transfer during the summer may be a viable option instead of enduring another month of limited action.
