Former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty is convinced Ryan Kent can become as good as Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard one day.
Lafferty, who joined Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 last month following his release from Ibrox, believes the £7m capture of the Liverpool forward is a statement signing which turns the Gers into genuine title contenders.
“After one game last season I spoke to Ryan in the showers. People were raving about Eden Hazard and his ability to know what he’s going to do before the ball comes to him,” Lafferty told the Daily Record.
“I said to Kenty, ‘Mate, you could be as good as him, if not better.’
“He has everything in his locker. He could probably add a few more goals but the chances he creates and winning games is what he does.
Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid and is officially announced at the Bernabéu
“I’m excited already to see him play. It’s crazy to think he’s back.
“This is the biggest and most significant signing of the season.”
Such is the regard Lafferty holds Kent in, the 31-year-old revealed the impressive winger is one of the top three players he’s ever played with.
“Ryan’s in the top three of the best I’ve played with and I’ve had [Paulo] Dybala and [Andrea] Belotti as team-mates.
“I’m more than happy to say that as he provides something special,” he added.
“It’s about how he takes the ball, how he runs with it and I’ve seen him absolutely destroy defenders. He can do that even with three or four defenders around him.
“Ryan’s a match-winner and to have him in your team with a good foundation around him is a massive statement for Rangers.”
Steven Gerrard’s men produced an abject display as they were beaten 2-0 by bitter rivals Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday, but Lafferty says the return of Kent will give everyone at the football club a massive lift.
“It’s the ideal lift for all of the supporters,” he concluded. “Kenty is the one player who’ll get everyone out of their seats again. It’s a huge tonic.
“If there is any player who’s going to help Rangers to land 55 [titles] then it’s him.”