Scout Report – Declan John
Rangers have completed the signing of left-back Declan John from English Championship outfit Cardiff City on a season-long loan, BBC Sport confirmed.
The 22-year old Wales international becomes the eleventh signing of the summer for Pedro Caixinha’s side. After his unveiling, John said (as quoted by BBC Sport):
“This is such a massive club, and as soon as I heard Rangers were in for me, it was a ‘yes’ straight away. It’s going to be an amazing time for me and I’m sure I will enjoy it.”
“I’m 22, and I need to go out and play games at this stage. I’ve not played so many games in the last year or two, so to come up here and do that is only going to be good for me.”
Here we profile the Gers’ latest addition to the squad and take a close look at what he brings to the table.
Footballing Background
Born on 22 June, 1995, in Merthyr, Wales, John started off his footballing career with the Cardiff City academy and having risen through the ranks, he made his senior debut for the club in August 2012 as a 17-year old. He made just one more appearance that season, with both of them coming in cup competitions. He became a regular for the Bluebirds in the following season, making 20 appearances as his club got relegated from the Premier League.
Having made 10 appearances in the first half of the 2014/15 campaign, John was loaned out to League One outfit Barnsley in March 2015. He played 9 times for his loan club, before returning back to Cardiff in May, at the end of the season. After making just a single appearance in the following campaign, he was loaned out to Chesterfield in February 2016. Six appearances and two months later, he was recalled back in April.
John started the 2016/17 season on a positive note under then-manager Paul Trollope, but found himself warming the bench once Neil Warnock took over. He made just 16 appearances in all, assisting a solitary goal.
Having represented the Wales international team at the U-19s and the U-21s levels, he made his debut for the senior team in October 2013 and has played just twice so far.
Style of Play
A modern day attacking full-back, John is known for his surging runs down the left flank and his ability to hit crosses into the penalty box. A good dribbler of the ball, the 22-year old also possesses a decent turn of pace as well, which enables him to raid up and down the left wing with ease.
However, he tends to be a little suspect defensively. Not a very good tackler, John isn’t the most physical either, due to which tends to get roughed up by robust opponents, and is found wanting in aerial duels. His concentration too is iffy at times.
What Does The Future Hold?
The 22-year old is expected to challenge captain Lee Wallace for a spot in the starting line-up at the Ibrox this season. Given that his contract with Cardiff runs out next summer, if things go well this season with Rangers, the club could get him for free in the next summer window.