With arguably two of the most important matches this season upon us in quick succession, there is no denying all players selected to play over the entire 180+ minutes must deliver.
However, there is no doubt Rangers have key players, players who have the ability to transcend and give even more – today we take a look at them, the players who Rangers will especially rely on to push the team towards victory.
Lee Wallace:
A little quiet by his standards recently, the captain has mostly been excellent this season, and a true leader. He has chipped in with goals too, but it has been his marauding flank play in both defence and attack that has inspired, and if Rangers are to have any major chance of taking the maximum from these two fixtures, Waldo will have to be on his game. His experience is also critical, with a fairly young defence around him his communication skills will be put to the test.
James Tavernier:
His game has also suffered a little of late, but he was astonishing earlier in the season with a goal rate defying his position and some stupendous dribbling to boot – if Rangers are to cope, Tavernier will need to be defensively rigid while rampaging ‘Blue Cafu’ style down the right.
Gedion Zelalem:
After being one of Rangers’ best v Morton, it was surprising Warburton chose to take him off. While he is another whose performances recently have not quite matches earlier in the season overall, the display v Greenock showed he can still deliver, as did the show v Alloa where only Martyn Waghorn’s brace prevented him being MOTM. Zelalem has extreme balance and composure, and always seems to have acres of space around him – he draws fouls easily such is his nifty footwork and will be vital to help provide creativity from midfield.
Jason Holt:
This man has been the signing of the season. Never flashy, never the headline-stealer, but Holt is Rangers’ best player by sheer consistency, and his hard work and link play between midfield and attack plus superb composure on the ball will allow others around him time and space to do their jobs. How well Jason Holt plays could well have a massive bearing on these results.
Martyn Waghorn:
How the Magic Hat deploys him will be particularly important – Waghorn’s best work comes through the middle when he is able to run at and intimidate defences directly – he finds space impressively for a man of his size and physique and there is more than a nagging suspicion he is wasted when he starts on the wing. If he is in the middle he will more than cause trouble for upcoming backlines.
Naturally, as stated, all players selected need to do their bit, but every team has its key players and the above are arguably Rangers’.
they all need to lift there game and get us over the line,, WATP.
Good list – I'd add Andy H as a key man
Agreed, He protects a backline – which with wingers at fullback on both sides is very necessary – as well as he is able, which is not bad especially as it is not his natural position. He also adds going forward.
Once we have a proper CDMect to see more of him further forward, competing with Holt and Zelalem. 3 players for 2 jersey will keep them all at their peak.
never mind about being next time or not playing to our potential just go out and the job done this time
I still think the best stuff Rangers played, early on in the season was with McKay and Walsh on the wings. They were well supported by the fullbacks and they often switched wings to good effect.
Walsh is quick and was direct. He gets round the fullback and plays it into the box. Tav does well getting forward but its better if you've got somebody playing in front of him who will go to the byeline.
I'm assuming that young Tom is still injured, so I'd try putting wee Barrie on the right wing and give young Thompson a slot on the left. They have to start whipping the ball in or cutting it back when we get to the byeline.
The Morton guy made the comment that the Ton had noticed that more often than not Rangers don't do that, but play the ball back then square in front of the opponents defence. So they just bunch up in the middle.
He was right and so was Zelalem when he said they are not moving the ball as quick as they were earlier on.
Their also not chasing back and closing teams down as fast as they did early season , the energy level seems to have dropped . Need to raise it again quickly for the games with Falkirk and Hibs or we're fucked .
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