Rangers fans are turning their backs on this Stevie favourite. Why?

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Rangers fans are turning their backs on this Stevie favourite. Why?


When Rangers’ XI was released pre-kick off on Thursday, one of the most intriguing comments, echoed by more than a few, was the sentiment of relief Scott Arfield wasn’t in it.

Not ‘glad he’s getting a rest’, you understand, but ‘thank God he’s out’. And of course he came on at 73 minutes, and Rangers then scored twice. But that’s probably irrelevant…

Indeed, almost every time we give the Canada international a 7 or an 8 in the ratings, we get criticism back that he did nothing and we’re overrating him.

As such; just why is he so underrated and why have so many Rangers fans seemingly turned their backs on Scott Arfield?

A fantastic Bosman last season, Arfield was one of the tenets of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers vision. A Canada international, an experienced PL player with quality of the top order and plenty of time in both Scotland and England’s Championship, Arfield’s attributes have been obvious from day one.

True, he won’t dribble much, he’s not the quickest in pace and he doesn’t tend to pick out many of the cross-field raking passes ala Steven Davis.

But that’s not why he’s in the team.

We’re puzzled as to why one of the hardest working players in Rangers’ squad is so underappreciated as to be rejected by some fans now.

Let’s look at his stats as an example:

Against Young Boys, Arfield committed 4 tackles (the most in a Rangers shirt, more than any team mate) and an interception. In passing he was second only to Barisic in key passes, managing 2 to the Croat’s 3. And in terms of on the ball he received it 54 times, with only Jack getting it more outside the defence.

Our point? On and off the ball, Arfield works extremely hard – he gets into positions to receive the ball as much as anyone, and crucially covers a tonne of ground. His heatmap is extremely spread and he rarely sits in one position at all.

And yet a lot of fans seem to be disinterested in his merits these days.

Are you one of them?

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7 COMMENTS

  1. He's not playing at his best because he's out on the right when he does play.he's better when he's playing behind the striker.

  2. We need grafters like Artfield in the side, lets see who will be giving his all in the winter months Aribo and Kamara are young lads who will come on leaps and bounds but we need the Artfields now. Another grafter due a chance is young Docherty, but for some reason SG doesn't rate him.

  3. In a 4-3-3 we want two wingers up front. Arfield, who I rate highly, is no winger.
    Personally, I think his best position is in the middle of a 3 in a 4-2-3-1, where he can support wingers, forward and CMs. That would play more into his skills. But he is not getting the middle jersey of a 4-3-3 away from Aribo or Jack.
    So his options are reducing as our team and squad strengthens.
    Think upmarket Halliday – rated, loved, struggling to get a jersey

  4. Scott Arfield has virtually played right through the summer with the Canadian national team he has had no rest there are Rangers fans who demand perfection in every game fickle and unrealistic personally I think that he is an asset unlike a few others who get a game on a regular basis despite not giving enough commitment no need to name them

  5. He is essential..but he is no longer a first pick and that is no slight on his ability. Gerrard is building a squad where you have to be at the very top of your game to even get in the 18. That's the way it should be, we are Rangers second best is not good enough.
    Katic? Good future player but nowhere near Hellanders level, Hellander is a full Swedish international compared to an inexperienced Croatian U21.
    Don't hear too much from IN how rubbish Barsic is now? Kamara away at Porto his passing stats were way above players in both teams.
    Docherty don't make me laugh. He's miles away from Davis, Jack, Kamara, Aribo and Arfield talent wise. Aye give him a chance because he supports Rangers and watch our league ambitions disintegrate.

  6. That is Crap. See when he was at falkirk? I thought get him told everyone. Maybe he needed the English leagues to achieve which is fine but hes a Great player. Differnt to davis etetc

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