Steven Gerrard MUST now rest Rangers’ Borna Barisic

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Steven Gerrard MUST now rest Rangers’ Borna Barisic
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Borna Barisic of Rangers FC goes off injured during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Rangers FC and Sporting Braga at Ibrox Stadium on February 20, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It’s time to give Borna Barisic an extended rest.

There we go, we’ve said it.

The Croat is in diabolical form, and clearly his head hasn’t been at it for the best part of 2021, while the ‘goodbye’ at the Old Firm is now looking like it really was a goodbye and the ex-Osijek man’s move away fell through instead.

He simply hasn’t shown up at all this season, showing worse than his pre-St Mirren goal form, and looking jaded.

His crossing level has taken a massive hit, and while he does still get some assists (2 this season in all competitions) he’s nowhere near the level he used to be and fans can clearly see it.

When Barisic’s name was included last night over Bassey, most supporters were shocked and bemused. Bassey might not be Roberto Carlos, but he’s been hungrier and more energetic than the Croat, and has only impressed this season following an overhaul to his body and mind in pre-season.

He’s looked a different player.

Sadly, so has Barisic.

He’s clearly unsettled, clearly isn’t fit, and looks far from happy.

Was his presence why Rangers struggled last night? It wouldn’t be a million miles away from the realms of possibility.

Rangers rely on energetic FBs rampaging down the channels – it gives width and trickery and overlapping runs to confuse defenders.

With Barisic it’s all very static and the balance isn’t there when he’s playing these days.

We hate picking on players, and we are huge huge fans of the Croatia international, but right now he’s not anywhere near his best and needs a bit of a rest.

It’s Bassey’s time to shine.

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