Rangers summer signing Carlos Pena took his goal tally to 3 after notching a brace during the 3-nil victory over St. Johnstone last Friday, and the Mexican appears to be finally finding his feet in Scotland after a struggling start to new life at Ibrox.
Despite his newly found form, Gers legend Derek Johnstone is of the opinion that the £2.5million arrival might flatter to deceive as he could struggle for consistency.
The Scottish league triple-winning ex-striker questions the all-round ability of Pena, wondering if he is able to do more than score goals, although he’s not so proficient at it.
Derek wrote in his Evening Times column: “Carlos Pena has never been known as a frequent goalscorer, even back in Mexico, so I’m not sure if he can keep this recent purple patch going, as welcome as it has been.
“For me, for a number 10 – because that’s what he is – you’ve got to be looking for more.
“Look at Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool for example. Now, I’m not saying he’s anywhere near that sort of level, that would be ridiculous, but look at the work he does on the ball.”
The one-time fans favorite, who knows a thing or two about playing as a number 10, appears to prefer signing of established top players in the league to Pena.
Derek wrote further: “For £2.5million, you could have got Louis Moult, Jamie Walker and Kenny McLean, so that’s the way I look at it when judging his contribution.”
He argues that though the fans would have been pleased at the Mexican’s recent form in front of goal, more must come from him in the long-term if he’s to fully convince all and sundry of his quality.
Rangers host Motherwell on Sunday in the Scottish Cup semifinals, and Pena has another opportunity to prove his worth by helping the team to a first final in recent seasons.
