Could Nikica Jelavic cut it in the Premier League?

Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic has been making a big splash in the SPL.

The Croatian striker has scored 17 goals in 31 games this season and looked like a superb player.

The 26 year-old’s form has lead to him being linked with a move to England.

Attributes

Nikica Jelavic seems to possess nearly all the qualities of a top class striker. He’s big, strong and is good in the air.

These are definitely skills that would be appreciated in the English Premier League. However questions remain about whether he could cut it in the English top flight, especially as he is considered quite slow.

Standard

Jelavic’s scoring record has been questioned because of the standard of the Scottish top flight. The Scottish top flight is currently of a poor standard. Any success achieved in the league seems to be played down because of the standard of opposition.

However he still has to score the goals, even if its against very poor opposition. He played in the Austrian top flight before moving to Scotland, so he hasn’t yet played in a major European league. The questions won’t be answered until he gets the chance at the top level.

Sceptical

Regular viewers of the SPL are sceptical about Jelavic’s ability to make it at the top level in England. He has struggled for form in the last few weeks, as it looks like his head has been turned by speculation over his future.

I have read numerous comments from Rangers fans on various websites saying that the club should sell the Croatian international.

Interest

Jelavic’s form this season has attracted the interest of Premier League sides Liverpool and Everton. The latest club to show interest in Jelavic is Championship club West Ham. The Hammers haven’t yet made a bid for the forward but are looking for a striker and Jelavic fit’s the bill.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist doesn’t want to lose his star striker and has warned clubs that he won’t sell Jelavic cheaply. McCoist told Sky Sports: “They have not made an official bid” referring to West Ham.

The former-Rangers striker continued by saying “ The reported amount would not be enough to meet the demands of the owner; £6million is not nearly enough”

Gamble

With money relatively tight in football then signing a striker who is unproven at the top level would be a gamble for most clubs. However what can’t be denied is that Jelavic seems to have scored goals wherever he has gone.

Tight

Money is also currently very tight at Ibrox and I’m sure if Rangers receive a massive offer then they would have to consider selling Jelavic. Jelavic signed for the Scottish giants for £4million in 2010 from Rapid Vienna.

Rangers could actually double their money if they decide to sell the Croatian international. However they have so far received no bids for the striker. Jelavic has stated that he is open to a move but he may have to wait until the summer.

Whether Nikica Jelavic can make it in the Premier League will only be confirmed if the Croatian can secure a move. However the striker may not get a chance to prove himself at the top level because of doubts over his ability.

Could Nikica Jelavic cut it in the Premier League?