Rangers supporters have quickly warmed to Badredine Bouanani following his deadline-day loan move from VfB Stuttgart on 3 September.

The 21-year-old winger has earned widespread plaudits from fans and pundits alike after a stellar performance in Saturday’s 1-0 League Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen at Hampden. Now, former Ibrox goalscorer Kris Boyd has become the latest in line to wax lyrical about the Algerian international.

Badredine Bouanani has “swagger”, can be difference-maker for Rangers, says Kris Boyd

Boyd was full of admiration for how comfortable the versatile wide man looks operating in Derek McInnes’ frontline. The Ibrox hero also highlighted the “swagger” Bouanani possesses, singling him out as a player who can step up in big moments for the Light Blues. He said:

He [Bouanani] has shown he can score goals. He is someone who can go both ways as well. He’s comfortable whether he’s coming in off his right or coming in off his left. He’s got good vision, and I think you want your big players to step up in big moments, and he seems to have that about him. There’s a swagger about him that he feels he can be that man to make a difference for Rangers.

Boyd’s analysis touches on a key tactical component of Bouanani’s immediate adaptation to the Scottish Premiership. Unlike traditional wide players who rely strictly on one dominant foot or predictable touchline play, the Stuttgart loanee has proven exceptionally difficult to isolate.

Having started in three of Rangers’ last four matches across all competitions, Bouanani’s willingness to cut inside onto his left foot or drive down the flank on his right has given McInnes an unpredictable dimension in attack.

That two-way quality was on full display when he scored a stunning curling goal in the 2-2 draw against Dundee, followed by a precision assist for Olwethu Makhanya’s late equaliser in the 2-2 clash with Hearts.

Most recently, on Saturday, Bouanani was named Man of the Match in the League Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen despite not being directly involved in Ryan Naderi’s winning goal, underlining his total influence on team performance.

Beyond tactical versatility, it is Bouanani’s mindset that has caught the eye of Ibrox observers. Playing for Rangers demands players who embrace high expectations rather than hide from them during tight domestic contests.

That innate self-belief, described by Boyd as a genuine “swagger”, has allowed the young winger to hit the ground running. With Rangers holding a £15.5million purchase option in his loan deal from Stuttgart, his ongoing performances could turn a short-term gamble into a permanent blockbusting investment.

With dense fixture schedules lying ahead both domestically and in Europe, having a wide player who actively wants to be the match-winner gives McInnes a potent tool as Rangers build momentum.