Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has lauded Glasgow Rangers for the capture of versatile midfielder John Lundstram. 

The lowdown: Top-level signing

Signed as a free agent on a three-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Sheffield United (Sky Sports), the 28-year-old arrived at Ibrox with a burgeoning reputation.

During the 2019/20 Premier League season, Lundstram scored five times in 34 outings for the Blades and appeared to take to life at the elite level with ease upon the club's promotion to the top flight.

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However, following an unamicable fallout with then-United manager Chris Wilder, the Liverpudlian ace moved to Glasgow, where he has proven to be a big hit with one man in particular...

The latest: Whelan impressed by Lundstram

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan heralded Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst for playing the 28-year-old at centre-back against RB Leipzig on Thursday night, whilst also praising Lundstram's form this season.

The ex-BBC Sport pundit gushed: “John Lundstram, on a free contract, it’s got to be one of the best free contracts they’ve signed. Now I’ve seen the best of him.

“Lundstram is one of these players that you can play anywhere. He played at wing-back at times for Sheffield United. He’s got the ability to play centre-back; the height, the strength, the power.

“He reads the game very well and he can step out from the backline into that midfield to play balls through and start the attack. A mastermind masterstroke there from Van Bronckhorst.

“Considering they’ve lost two very important players in Morelos and Roofe, to score three goals, three different scorers, people are taking responsibility on their shoulder to cover those injuries.”

The verdict: Smart signing

Unsurprisingly, signing a player of Lundstram's calibre was met with euphoria by many connected to the Teddy Bears, and they certainly haven't been disappointed in recent weeks.

After making a slow start to life in Scotland, the former Everton academy prospect now has four goals and one assist in 45 appearances this term, earning an impressive 6.92 average Sofascore rating from 26 Premiership outings in the process.

His recent displays in big matches have been superb, earning a 7.9 Sofascore rating from last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Celtic and a 7.6 from the famous win over RB Leipzig, in which he netted the decisive goal to take Rangers into the Europa League final.

If Van Bronckhorst's side are to wrestle back control of the Premiership title next season, then Lundstram will likely be imperative to the cause.

In other news: Journalist reacts to 'excellent' contract news coming out of Rangers, find out more here