There has been a nagging feeling among some supporters that while Rangers have a greater level of depth in the squad following Steven Gerrard’s summer rebuild, the deputies don’t quite match up to the first choice players in some cases.
For example, while Andy Halliday has mostly delivered (sure, we disagreed with you guys on his passing merits but he did make some key errors in the middle of the park) as defensive deputy midfielder, few would have him as first choice over a fully fit Ryan Jack or Jordan Rossiter.
Meanwhile, while Daniel Candeias had a wonderful season last campaign, he hasn’t quite hit those heights this season and has flirted in and out of the XI and for the first time isn’t a guaranteed starter.
Last but not least Jon Flanagan – banned from yesterday’s match, the one-time England cap was a mainstay until Borna Barisic arrived, and may now be on the bench more often than not.
The point is Rangers’ deputies while still decent maybe don’t quite match the first choices, and in many cases weaken the side when the first choice isn’t around.
However, with the reintroduction of Graham Dorrans and the continuing emergence of young Glenn Middleton, Rangers are starting to add high quality players who have every right to contest for a first team place, and in both of those instances, they may even enhance what is already there.
Dorrans’ cameo was quite brilliant, and Rangers fans are still talking about that world class dribble and pass which destroyed the yellow defence, and if Arfield had been a little more canny, would have been an assist for the winning goal.
Meanwhile Middleton decimated the full back repeatedly, and opened the backline up several times, playing a huge role in Kyle Lafferty’s equaliser, and staking a very serious claim that he is not only an able deputy for Ryan Kent, but probably a better player.
It all makes for a slightly unexpected boost for Rangers, to see two ‘new’ players that are as good if not better than what is already there, and gives Steven Gerrard the selection dilemmas he wants to have.
To have a multiple options of a high standard in several positions is the sort of depth Rangers deserve to have. And Dorrans’ return has given an unexpected bonus in midfield that adds a new dimension too.
Having real strength is not just XI best players, but 15+. Having at least four or five players on the bench every inch as strong as those who started, if not more so.
And Rangers do seem to be getting there now.
Nice one!
I don't think there is any doubt about the improvement from last season. Regardless of what happens this season it's hard not to think what we might be like this time next season with another 2 transfer windows behind us. Sure Gerrard can't make the same leap in terms of quality but he's shown that he seems to know the type of player we need and has the clout to get them. Exciting times ahead.
Watch what they do in January. Gerrard still hasn't completely built his squad. He's done an absolute yeoman's job so far, but this team will get stronger yet. Even considering the 1-0 at Parkhead, Celtic should be getting nervous. We aren't as far off them as many would want to have us believe. Sure, we still have to do the job, but this team has quality all over the park. The only thing that Celtic has that Rangers currently don't have, is the strength in depth. This is an issue to be overcome, but like I said, watch what we do in January. Gerrard will undoubtedly know where we need reinforcements, and judging by the work done in the last window, I'm putting my money on him making us even stronger.
No more walkovers when facing Rangers. It's absolutely beautiful. This team had every reason to fold up and lose 5-0 to Villarreal, but instead, they gritted their teeth, fought back, equalised twice, and were inches away from taking 3 points right at the death. This is the kind of performance blue noses everywhere have been chomping at the bit to see.
Also, keep in mind, we have a couple players in Jack and Rossiter who're close to being back. Much has been said about Rossiter and his injuries, rightly so too, but if we can get him fit, he'll absolutely come good. I have no doubts about it.
We had better enjoy Gerrard while he's here, because there is no question he's popping up on the radar of premiership sides down south already. I'm hoping he chooses to stay and really build something here over the next 3-5 years.
It's all win-win for us bears, so great. Things are definitely coming together and i'm looking forward to seeing what happens, the next time we face Celtic, if we have a full, fit squad and at home.
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