JOHN LUNDSTRAM has hailed Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the tactical genius that has guided Rangers to within touching distance of Europa League glory.
The champions booked their place in the showpiece final in Seville with a thrilling victory over RB Leipzig last week as Lundstram netted the decisive goal at Ibrox to clinch a 3-2 aggregate success.
Rangers are now preparing for their biggest night in half a century as they get set to face Eintracht Frankfurt and bid to lift their second continental silverware next Wednesday evening.
Boss Van Bronckhorst has also masterminded wins against Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and Braga this term and Lundstram is full of admiration for the Dutchman's approach at Ibrox.
Lundstram said: "I think, tactically, he’s just an absolute genius.
"Honestly, his calmness is always there and he instils that through the squad.
"The tactical switches – he puts me where he wants to, at the back and then back into midfield. But it seems to work and it’s just great.
"I had an honest conversation with him and he said that’s where he could see me playing at times. I said that was absolutely fine, whatever he needed me to do was no problem at all.
"That was very early doors so I have absolutely no problem in doing what the manager wants me to do."
Lundstram endured a difficult start to life at Ibrox following his move from Sheffield United last summer but he has become a firm fan favourite and an integral part of Van Bronckhorst's plans.
The Scouser could now become a double winner as Rangers set their sights on the Europa League and Scottish Cup final with Hearts at Hampden.
It was former boss Steven Gerrard that convinced Lundstram to make the switch to Glasgow and the move has more than paid off for the midfield maestro.
Lundstram said: "He was a massive draw for me being a Liverpool fan going up and legend that he is. He will always be a legend at the club for getting 55.
"He was massive influence and I was just proud to work under him, really. He’s another massive figure in my football career.
"He’ll definitely be proud of what we’ve done. He got us halfway, that’s credit to him, and Gio’s got us the rest of the way."
