Who is Emerson Hyndman – Rangers recruit dubbed ‘the new Pirlo’?
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He’s been dubbed ‘the New Pirlo’ by his hugely decorated former manager. He made his debut for the US national team aged just 18. And he’s now joined Rangers on loan from Premier League Bournemouth for the rest of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about Emerson Hyndman…
The 20-year-old came through the youth set-up at Fulham, and impressed greatly at Craven Cottage in the second half of last season, chalking up 16 Championship appearances.
Showing excellent distribution and natural composure on the ball, the American was a real creative spark in a largely uninspired Fulham side last season, and showed a knack for scoring huge goals with a 93rd-minute winner in April’s crucial victory over Cardiff City.
Those skills led to former Cottagers boss Felix Magath dubbing the youngster ‘the New Pirlo’. And having won three Bundesliga titles as manager of two different clubs, it’s fair to say the German gaffer knows a bit about spotting top-class talent.
However, the capital club lost him to Bournemouth in the summer, with Eddie Howe greatly impressed by his talents. But having featured only fleetingly for the Cherries this season, he’s grasped the opportunity of a switch to Ibrox. And that can only help both the player and club.
For Rangers’ part, they’ve acquiring the services of a hugely creative, energetic talent who can add precise passing and boundless energy to an increasingly fresh young Gers midfield – alongside the likes of Jason Holt and Jordan Rossiter.
And for Hyndman, the move allows him to develop the physical side of his game – as opposed to playing youth football at Dean Court – and to experience playing in front of an electric atmosphere at a packed and expectant Ibrox.
Rangers are currently favourites in the Betting without Celtic at 4/7, and if Hyndman can build on his eye-catching displays at Craven Cottage, Mark Warburton’s men could quickly increase the gap between themselves and the chasing pack.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
