Major Barisic Rangers confession could help Gio IMMENSELY

It’s pretty clear now Rangers are going to have to change formation for the rest of the season. We posited last night on Ibrox Noise how GVB had two options – stick with the existing formation without Alfredo, or change to a 3-5-2 or similar.

Given Rangers’ best spell of the match last night was after going 3 at the back, it’s evident 3-5-2 is the best route forward, and one man stands to seriously benefit from it.

Borna Barisic has been somewhat out in the cold in recent months, with the rise of Calvin Bassey effectively nicking his place. But the Croat was solid on arrival last night, playing convincingly in a 3-5-2 formation, and the ex-Osijek man has confirmed in the past that that is his favourite slot – playing as a wing back on the left of a 5.

It means he gets to defend and attack with more freedom than as LB in a 4 and it gives him licence to attack as well as defend with a lot more assurance.

He said:

“Throughout my career, I have played more often in a four-man defence, although I have also played wide with three at the back. I have to be honest and say I prefer the second option. You have more freedom to move forward and it suits me. The wingback can get up and down the sides and I would be ready to cover that position.”

From the horse’s mouth it’s his preference. And it means the Bassey/Barisic debate is a moot point because Bassey can stay at CB, meaning both play.

Or Bassey makes way for Helander… up to Gio.

The point is we need to try new things, and clearly a big positive of going 3 at the back is getting Barisic back to his best.

Can’t hurt.