South African defender Olwethu Makhanya is quickly establishing himself as an exciting talent in Scottish football.
The Durban-born centre-back joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union in a €3.5-million transfer.
Since arriving at Ibrox, Makhanya has delivered impressive performances and attracted considerable attention.
His displays have also earned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award.
Now, former Rangers midfielder Ross has identified him as the club’s standout signing this season.
Furthermore, Ross believes the Bafana Bafana international possesses the qualities needed to reach Europe’s biggest clubs.
Makhanya backed to follow a different path from Van Dijk
Speaking on the SNN Sports Podcast, Ross discussed Makhanya’s impressive start at Rangers.
He also referenced former Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk when discussing the South African’s potential.
Van Dijk developed his reputation through Scottish football before eventually reaching Liverpool.
Ross believes Makhanya could follow a similar route, although he might not need an additional stepping stone.
“Makhanya [is the best signing they made]. When you do well at a Rangers or Celtic at that level, like [Virgil] Van Dijk, you have to have an intermediate move to then crack on at the big moves, like Liverpool etc,” he said.
However, Ross believes Makhanya has enough natural ability to move directly to an elite European club.
He particularly highlighted the defender’s athleticism, confidence and commitment to his defensive responsibilities.
“I think Makhanya has it in him, I think he can go straight to the top. He’s just athletic, calm on the ball, he likes to defend, he loves to be a defender,” he added.
These qualities have helped Makhanya make an encouraging impression in Scotland.
Moreover, his continued development could attract interest from clubs across Europe’s major leagues.
Rangers defender compared favourably to former Newcastle star
Ross also delivered another significant endorsement when comparing Makhanya with former France international Jean-Alain Boumsong.
Boumsong previously played for Rangers before joining Newcastle United.
His move to the English club reportedly cost €11.30 million.
Despite Boumsong’s impressive career, Ross believes Makhanya could become an even better defender.
“I think he’s better than Boumsong, who ended up at Newcastle,” Ross concluded.
The comparison represents another major compliment for the young South African.
Meanwhile, Makhanya continues to attract attention at international level.
The former Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC defender has also earned a place in Bafana Bafana’s latest squad.
South Africa will face Kenya in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers this month.
His performances at Rangers could therefore strengthen his position within the national team.
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