Why Graham Dorrans Could Be Rangers’ Best Signing Of The Summer
It looks like Rangers have got their man as Graham Dorrans is likely to become their next summer signing after Norwich City finally accepted a bid for the midfielder.
Rangers have reportedly been rebuffed numerous times after approaches for the former West Bromwich Albion favourite but now the childhood Rangers fan looks to be getting his dream move for a fee of around £1.5million. The 30-year-old, as we’ve written before, could be the crucial ingredient when it comes to Rangers bridging the gap between themselves and Celtic.
Here are two specific reasons why he could be their signing of the summer:
His Statistics
Graham Dorrans is 30 now and currently has his highest ever transfer market value. He is at his peak and is, in English terms, a Premier League player. He would be a marvellous signing if Rangers could get the deal done and his stats truly back this up.
Playing in the English Championship last season for Norwich City following their relegation from the English Premier League, Dorrans played 23 times in the league. With Dorrans in the team, Norwich managed 1.62 points per game. In the games Dorrans missed due to a suspension as well as his muscle injury, the Canaries gained 1.39 points per game.
This can always be put down to a coincidence of course, but even looking back at the same stats in Norwich’s Premier League season last year, a similar pattern emerges. The difference is not so big; 1.00 points per game versus 0.94 per game, but still it stands out. There is no doubt that Dorrans is influential and if plying his trade in the Scottish Premier League, may well be the best player in it.
His Passion For The Club
Dorrans grew up as a Rangers fan, idolising Paul Gascoigne from the Ibrox stands. As has been the case in the past with many a Rangers player, an upbringing as a Bear and having the clubs actual interests truly at heart can make such a huge difference.
With this in mind, Rangers wouldn’t be getting a player putting in 70-80% effort. They would have a player who would always be giving as close to 100% as is physically possible at all times. As a watcher of the game, I cannot stress enough how important that is.
After employing Pedro Caixinha as the manager – a move which is looking like a good one, the club made no secret of the fact that they would like ‘true Rangers men’ to be involved too. Dorrans would be a true leader out on the pitch and alongside Kenny Miller, would rally the troops.