Virgo: Sima’s star qualities will shine through at Ibrox
Adam Virgo believes Rangers Europa League campaign provides the perfect platform for Abdallah Sima to flourish.
The Senegalese frontman has scored two European goals already this season.
His spectacular strike against PSV Eindhoven in a first-leg draw turned out a Champions League false dawn.
Gers then made a fine start to the second tier tournament by beating Real Betis, courtesy of Sima’s winner.
Ex-Brighton defender Virgo was frustrated by the £6 million forward’s lack of progress on the south coast.
Virgo insists that luckless loans to Stoke in the Championship then Angers in France did not play to the player’s strengths.
Now a pundit, he is confident Rangers, away to Aris Limassol on Thursday, presents a more appropriate opportunity for the 22-year-old who was integral to the Gers’ 4-0 win over Livingston in the Viaplay Cup on Wednesday.
Virgo explained: “I don’t think the previous teams suited his game.
“As Stoke, it was direct football. The style wasn’t the right fit and he didn’t play many games.
“I saw a fair bit of him for a struggling Angers side. His movement made me think that getting into a better team would allow him to show up. There was responsibility on to his shoulders to score goals at that young age.
“When you go on loan, it’s not always easy to settle and adjust to a new culture or country.
“You sometimes need a bit of luck finding the right manager and right set-up. Fingers crossed, Rangers will be that good fit that benefits his career.”
Sima first came to Michael Beale’s attention in the 2020/21 Europa League.
The striker scored for Slavia Prague to knock out Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester then played in both legs as Steven Gerrard’s men became the Czech side’s next victims.
Four of his 15 goals that term came in Europe and helped persuade Brighton to swoop.
Sima is yet to play for the Seagulls but Virgo hopes an impressive year in Scotland will see him return ready for Roberto de Zerbi.
“He just needs a bit more confidence,” Virgo noted. “Rangers is a great chance for him to gain big experience.
“Michael Beale likes a mobile front three and that will certainly suit his game.
“There’s a player in there alright. He makes great runs and he’s very quick.
“His goal against PSV was brilliant and showed what he’s capable of.”