Romania superstar Emil Sandoi insisted Ianis Hagi is one of the best young prospects in football after Rangers secured his services
Steven Gerrard 's side turned the loan move of the son of Real Madrid and Barcelona legend Gheorghe permanent in a £4million deal with Genk.
Sandoi starred in the 1990 Italy World Cup for Romania before taking charge of no less than eight teams in the country - and he reckons the 21-year-old's price tag was far too low for a player of his quality.
Sandoi said: "I have seen very few players in the world who have the qualities of Ianis Hagi by being able to hit a ball as powerfully with both feet.
"Certainly, I didn't play with any as good with that with both feet.
"People talk as if he failed in Belgium, but he wasn't even there for two years. He wasn't there long enough to form an impression.
"I must admit I was surprised when he moved to Scotland because I thought the football there wouldn't suit him and Belgium would be a better place to learn his trade.
"But I don't mind admitting I've been proved wrong. He's proved in a very short space of time what a good player he is. He's produced some fantastic performances.
"Look at that home Europa League match against Braga - he won that game by himself. He eliminated the Portuguese on his own.
"And I think you have to credit his manager Steven Gerrard for giving him confidence. He's as comfortable on the left as on the right and he's been handed the freedom to play.
"He's an intelligent boy on and off the pitch and it's a huge help to him that he has a manager who values him."
