Jose Cifuentes has been strongly linked with Rangers in recent days, with a move to Ibrox appearing increasingly likely. 

Michael Beale and James Bisgrove have both heralded the importance of conducting transfer business expeditiously this summer and it’s understood that Rangers are keen to build their squad for next season as soon as possible. 

Significant change is expected at Ibrox across the coming months and Cifuentes has the profile to bolster Rangers’ midfield options, with the proposition of securing his signature for a financially viable deal emerging given his contract situation. 

Cifuentes’ current deal expires in December and his club, LAFC, will likely prefer to secure a reduced fee than to lose him for free.

It would represent shrewd business from the Ibrox club, as Cifeuntes cost the MLS side in excess of £2 million in 2020 when he joined from Universidad Catolica in his homeland. 

The Ecuadorian international has been routinely linked with moves to Europe and former Leeds United transfer chief Victor Orta is one known admirer. 

There’s significant excitement over the midfielder's mooted arrival but what could fans expect if he were to arrive and how could he fit into Beale's blueprint?

The Rangers Review have watched some recent footage and analysed the data to ascertain his key characteristics. 

Profile

Cifuentes is a box-to-box midfielder, perfectly suited to Beale’s preference of acquiring players capable of performing hybrid roles.

The Ecuadorian is an attack-minded midfielder with the majority of his involvement taking place in the opposition half. He has recorded impressive numbers during his three years in MLS with 14 goals and 18 assists in 109 appearances. 

His tendency to receive possession higher up the pitch indicates his best position lies as a No.8 in a midfield three, with the licence to get forward. 

But Cifuentes would also be comfortable in a double-pivot and his capacity to play numerous roles will be hugely appealing to Rangers. 

Beale has stressed the importance of recruiting versatile players with his two signings so far - Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell - comfortable in a number of midfield roles. 

Against Celtic on Saturday, the manager deployed Raskin as the single-pivot with Ryan Jack and John Lundstram on either side of the young Belgian. 

While unlikely to be used as a No.6, Cifeuntes possesses the ability to play in the Jack or Lundstram role or alongside Raskin in a double-pivot - which would represent a very exciting partnership. 

Passing quality

One of the most distinguishable aspects of Cifeuntes’ skillset is his passing ability. He regularly looks to play progressive passes with his impressive vision a standout quality, even if that comes hand in hand with loose moments on the ball. 

Cifuentes always looks to play forward and his ability to identify teammates quickly allows him to progress the ball.

His passing success rate of 80% across the last two MLS seasons - 4-5% lower than the league average - highlights his tendency to opt for the riskier pass, rather than choosing the safe option. 

Last season, Cifuentes completed 46 key passes - with seven assists - and the majority are direct straight passes from advanced areas which break the defensive lines. 

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His preference to play the killer pass will naturally lead to a lower pass success rate and a higher number of turnovers, but it’s quite an immaterial statistic when assessing creative midfielders. 

Athleticism 

Not only does Cifuentes progress the ball impressively through incisive passing, but he is also an effective ball carrier. 

The midfielder averages 6.84 deep progressions per 90 minutes this season in the MLS and is extremely press resistant. 

From analysing the footage, it becomes clear that Cifuentes possesses great feet and acceleration, enabling him to escape the attention of the opposition press. 

He’s comfortable receiving possession in tight spaces, before producing a bit of skill to burst clear of his marker and attack the space vacated. 

His ability to escape the press would be crucial when playing in a deeper role against good opposition, given he'd be expected to collect the ball under pressure. This is a trait Raskin has demonstrated in Old Firm games recently. 

Shooting ability

Cifuentes’ goal return for a midfielder is impressive and his ability to shoot from around the penalty area would be an asset against a low block. 

He attempted 65 shots last season in the MLS with 29 of them from outside the box. While he’s not afraid to unleash from range, his accuracy has room for growth, even if the power is already there.

Defensive qualities

The biggest room for improvement in Cifuentes’ game lies on the defensive side of things. While his physicality is an asset in duels, he can work on his commitment to track back out of possession when the ball is turned over in attacking areas. 

However, his pressing numbers are impressive and his dynamism will be an asset. Cifuentes recorded 22.88 pressures last season in the MLS and that rose to 27.37 this season. 

He made 4.17 pressure regains last season but, again, that’s increased to 4.61 this campaign and his pressing stats are significantly higher than the league average. Such defensive improvement is a positive sign.