If we look back to 2013/2014, Rangers’ midfield ‘embarrassment of riches’ was the likes of Ian Black, Nicky Law and Robbie Crawford. Sure, we had Lewis Macleod too (more on him later) but he was a rare jewel in otherwise dark pile of muck that made up our midfield.
Times, they have a-changed. Sure, it helps when you’re in the Premership again, back in the top flight where you belong and have a budget more in keeping with the club’s traditional status, but the sheer upgrade from Ian Black to Glen Kamara is absolutely frightening.
And it’s also created a big problem. Admittedly, a good problem for Steven Gerrard, but a big one.
Rangers, in central and defensive midfield, currently have a genuine embarrassment of riches and depth. Ross McCrorie, Kamara, Steven Davis, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield all vie for those central berths, with currently Ross McCrorie missing out and the other four snapping up the slots.
But there’s a snag. Both Greg Docherty and Jordan Rossiter have had outstanding seasons (or half seasons in Jordan’s case) out on loan at Shrewsbury and Bury respectively.
Both have achieved multiple MOTM awards and both clubs’ supporters are desperate to hold onto them.
Ibrox Noise was once criticised for presumptuousness when we suggested Bury had already signed the best player in their league by getting Rossiter. The season he has had down there has justified our confidence in him.
But what happens now? To him and Docherty?
Regular readers will know we are colossal admirers of both players and we’d love to see them back in our shirts, but there’s only three midfield slots, with that adaptive slot for Arfield (more on that later too) and we can’t fit seven fine players in them.
It’s a massive issue – and if we’re honest, on pure logistics grounds Gerrard is likely to extend both loans or sell.
It would be a shame – but Rangers’ midfield is functioning so well right now – Davis is in some of the form of his life and Ross McCrorie can barely get a sniff in.
So where would that leave Docherty or Rossiter?
Glad it’s Stevie who has these ‘problems’ and not us.
It's a long season. We'll need both, i could also see McCrorie having another stab at CB.
We cant rely on Davis forever (unfortunately) so it wouldnt make sense to offload Doc and Rossiter. Rossiter another loan until January to see how things go for us and for him. Bring Doc back now, he should be taking advantage of training alongside Davis and Arfield and ready to step in when needed.
This weekend..how about Jack out, Arfield in his place and Alfredo playing up next to Defoe?
Jack has been great but it would allow us to play 2 up front. Kamara, Davis and Arfield is a quality midfield. Mon the Gers!!!
Get an old CB to teach McCrorie how to play at centre half. He should be a natural there and already has many of the attributes required. He just needs a bit of fine tuning and some experience.
I agree we have a glut of good midfield players but wouldn't go as far as "an embarrassment of riches". I still say we need 2 quality midfielders of better quality than our best 2 current players of Davis and Arfield.
Comments are closed.