Alejandro Bedoya has backed Olwethu Makhanya to become a Rangers success.
The former Rangers midfielder played alongside Makhanya at Philadelphia Union. He believes the 22-year-old defender, who joined Rangers from Philadelphia this summer, has the qualities to make a significant impact at Ibrox.
He told the Daily Record, "Olwethu is a very quiet lad, but being from South Africa, he obviously speaks good English. He wouldn’t say much when he first arrived in Philadelphia.
"But what I liked about him was his work ethic. He was always willing to listen, then get his head down and work."
Makhanya has made an impressive start since arriving at Rangers, quickly establishing himself in Derek McInnes’ side despite the club's difficult start to the season.
Bedoya, who spent the 2011/12 campaign at Ibrox, believes Rangers have signed a player who can contribute now and develop further in the years ahead. He said, "I always saw the potential in him because of the way he carried himself.
"He’s smart enough as a defender to realise which strikers he has to sit off against and which ones he can go and win his battle. He’s still only 22, but he’s got two seasons under his belt in the MLS, and I’ve watched him grow in confidence.
"He’ll develop even more at Rangers."
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The former USA international has urged Rangers supporters to give Makhanya time, despite his early impact. He said, "I think Olwethu will be a good signing. All I’d ask the fans is to have a bit of patience with him. He’s still young.
"Rangers are signing a guy who they obviously feel is not just someone who can go into the team now, but also an investment for the future."
Bedoya praised Makhanya's technical ability and physical attributes, which he believes will help him thrive in the Scottish league. He said, "With his size, he’s got good aerial ability.
"He’s very good technically, with the ball at his feet. He can play forward passes between the lines. Also, his recovery speed is excellent.
"He’s got long strides so he’s able to recover really well."
Bedoya also highlighted Makhanya's ability to adapt to the physicality of the Scottish league, which he believes speaks volumes about the young player's potential. He added, "Olwethu very rarely gets beat in behind.
"Even if he loses a ball, he’s very good at getting back. He’s adjusted there already. Some of the strikers in Scotland are really physical, more so than the MLS. But Olwethu’s positional sense is fantastic.
"I hoped that he’d step straight into the team and become a starter from day one, and he’s managed to do that."
