Rangers may just have found, at long last, the solution for the long running wing problem in the form of Oliver Antman.
As mentioned in earlier articles, and in future ones, we do not want to draw too many conclusions from recent results against such poor teams. However, they still have to provide context and some indication of what the manager can try. One of the biggest standouts in recent times has been the potential return of a proper wing system. This system actually uses quality wingers.
In recent years, Rangers fans will be well aware of the club’s struggles in wide areas. The club has struggled to field two decent wingers at the same time. We have had many, many wingers. However, decent is not a word we can use for many of them. Rangers have struggled to find anyone who can truly shine on either flank.
Even Mikey Moore had struggled on the left wing for long spells at Rangers. He has admitted himself that it is not necessarily his best position. He sees himself more as an all round forward with freedom.
However, no matter how you look at it, a solution may have arrived. It is a slightly unexpected one, given recent months for Oliver Antman.
Skov Olsen Showing Early Signs
£12M-rated Andreas Skov Olsen, the new superstar signing, has not started spectacularly at Rangers. However, he has shown signs of promise. His debut was solid. His follow up was alright. Against Queen’s Park, he was pretty okay again.
We cannot say that Andreas Skov Olsen looks world class yet. He is three months behind in match sharpness and had not played regularly since November. He is clearly not fully match fit.
However, he is showing quality potential. We never doubted that he was a class act. Still, we were not blown away by his early matches. That is just honesty. It is not criticism.
Antman’s Unexpected Return
However, the return of £30M-rated Oliver Antman may have changed everything. It has created a whole new dynamic.
Initially, Antman was seen as out of favour with Danny Rohl. The manager barely used him. This was surprising, given his reputation. He was signed in a blaze of glory for £4M from Go Ahead Eagles, amid reports of a deal being agreed.
At the time, one Dutch pundit suggested he was worth £30M. This was mocked by some fans. However, his Eredivisie statistics were extremely impressive. They were borderline world class. He had also done it for his country.
Yet, it had not worked at Rangers. He had not really shone. He had not fully adapted.
A New Balance on Both Wings
We do not want to go overboard against Queen’s Park. They are hardly Real Madrid. However, the solution may be clear.
Skov Olsen was seen as Antman’s replacement on the right. Instead, Antman may be better on the left. He looked strong there against Glasgow’s other side and provided energy. He connected extremely well with Tuur Rommens. We will have more on that later.
As a result, Rangers had danger on both sides. Again, the opposition was weak defensively. The space they gave was almost embarrassing.
Still, it showed what these two could become. A structured system could suit them. It could give them freedom to express themselves.
Both are international and both are regulars for their country. Both have played at high levels. There is no way they suddenly cannot play good football.
Could these two be the answer. Antman on the left. Skov Olsen on the right.
It would be one of Rangers’ strongest wing pairings in years. Their CVs suggest real quality. They may be the best two wingers Rangers have had in a very long time.
A Partnership That Could Flourish
Therefore, there could be an unexpected answer. Skov Olsen may not replace Antman. He may complement him.
This partnership could work. And it could work very well.