Soccer games can be won or lost thanks to the importance of time.
Take the Rangers for example.
After losing Connor Goldson to Aris Limassol earlier this week, Philippe Clement and his colleagues were in a race against time to overhaul and replace him before the start of the new Scottish Premiership campaign against Lawrence Shankland and Hearts on Saturday at lunch time.
The confirmation of Robin Propper’s arrival from the Eredivisie on Thursday night probably didn’t come at a better time. The former FC Twente captain now has a Rangers debut in Tynecastle.
As for Propper’s former employers, the timing of his departure left much to be desired.
Arnold Bruggink, Twente’s sporting director, described this as the most “annoying” aspect of the captain’s departure. After all, the Enschede team has a decisive Champions League qualification match against Red Bull Salzburg on the horizon.
Meanwhile, CEO Dominique Scholten still cannot wonder whether a summer of detailed plans has just been thrown out the window on the eve of the 2024/25 campaign.
“The players and staff have worked hard for seven weeks to be fit for the new season,” Scholten told Twente’s website.
“That anything goes until September 1, when the transfer window closes, is evident with the sudden departure of our captain, Robin Propper, to Rangers FC.
“Of course, it is a loss and the timing is incredibly unfortunate. On the other hand, it also provides opportunities for other players. We thank Robin for his wonderful commitment to FC Twente. We will continue. We are all ahead for the first match. ” against FC Red Bull Salzburg.
Propper is not only Twente’s leader on the pitch, but he is also arguably their most notable centre-back, one of their most consistent players and a genuine physical presence in both penalty areas.
Compared to his Dutch teammates Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij due to his ball-playing prowess, the 6ft 3in Propper has scored 11 goals in the last 3 Eredivisie seasons from centre-half.
A right-footed player via trade, it remains to be seen whether Clement will throw Propper in deep when Rangers travel to Edinburgh this week.
The 30-year-old, according to the Daily Record, is moving to Glasgow for £1. 5million.
And, speaking at his inauguration, Propper highlighted the role played by former Twente winger Vaclav Cerny and his former Heracles teammate Cyriel Dessers in their resolve to seek an unforeseen exit from the Stadion Galgenwaard.
“The Rangers are a wonderful club and it feels smart to be here,” Propper told the Rangers’ official website.
“I was pleased to hear that the club wanted to sign me. I’ve said I need to have a new adventure in some other country and when a club like Rangers comes looking for you, it’s surreal. This club breathes football and you have to play it here.
“I spoke to Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny and they still had nothing to say about the club. It’s great to see familiar faces again.
“You hear about the Rangers enthusiasts and what’s going on here and I’m pleased to be here. “