Dado Pršo and Nikica Jelavić set a gold standard regarding Croatian forwards at Ibrox - and Antonio Čolak has been inspired rather than intimidated by the previous success of his countrymen.
When Čolak was linked with a summer move to Glasgow, those of a blue persuasion had flashbacks to the humbling Champions League qualifier defeat to 10-man Malmo 12 months previously. The Croatian netted a double on a balmy evening to eliminate Steven Gerrard’s side, and his impeccable finishing was a ruthless demonstration of his deadliness in the box.
Čolak was on loan when he derailed Rangers' Champions League bid, and he returned to his parent club, PAOK Salonika, months later. His record of three goals in 37 appearances for the Greeks suggested his performance at Ibrox was an outlier rather than the norm, leading to doubts regarding his suitability for life in Govan.
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A résumé that includes nine clubs in five different countries was hardly a ringing endorsement of his quality, but it did not take the 29-year-old long to dispel lingering fears regarding the worthwhileness of his capture. The goals have flowed for the Croat - 13 in 16 matches - and he is the embodiment of an old-fashioned number nine.
For the first time since cementing his place in the starting XI four years ago, Alfredo Morelos is no longer an automatic first choice. Colak’s all-around game does not enthral, but his phenomenal goal contribution has made him undroppable for run-of-the-mill domestic fixtures.
In 34 of the 38 Premiership fixtures, Rangers dominate territory and possession, and having a predator in their ranks again is already proving invaluable. Against inferior opposition, the opening goal is of the utmost importance, and on four occasions this season, Colak has managed to break the deadlock.
The sample size is small, but Colak’s finishing prowess is reminiscent of Kris Boyd in his pomp. His approach work is superior to the Scotsman’s, yet his ability to find the bottom corner with regularity, with either foot, is unerringly similar.
If he can remain clear of injuries, Colak should finish the Scottish Premiership campaign as the top goalscorer. A lowly 13 goals was sufficient to win the golden boot last year, and the Croatian has already notched ten by early October. The forward has netted six times in his last three domestic appearances, and he is capable of doubling his overall total before the World Cup.
@RangersFC's Croatian goal machine is in #TOTW ⚽️⚽️
Colak’s limitations are not so easy to disguise against high-calibre opposition; he lacks pace and his distribution can be wayward. The Croat is yet to score in nine outings in the Champions League group stages - for Malmo or Rangers - and he struggles to make his presence known with limited service.
Colak still harbours hopes of adding to his three international caps, but Croatia Head Coach, Zlatko Dalić, does not appear overly enamoured by his qualities. With World Cup squads increasing in size from 23 to 26, Colak still has an outside chance of securing his place on the plane to Qatar, yet it remains unlikely a glut of Scottish Premiership goals will persuade the manager to alter his plans.
Further international recognition might not be forthcoming anytime soon, but his worth to his club is abundantly clear. His presence in domestic fixtures instils a belief - on the pitch and on the terraces - that goals will follow, and he could prove to be the difference in a fraught title race.
Colak made a blistering start to life at Malmo before the goals became infrequent. It will be interesting to see if his current form is a purple patch that will pass or something more permanent. Indications suggest the latter is most likely.
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