There is no doubt that Derek McInnes knows a midfielder. For sure, the former Rangers midfielder himself has certainly got the ability to spot his position a mile away, and has made more than a couple of signings in that department. However, a puzzle for Ibrox Noise, and perhaps everyone else, is the fact that Rangers now have effectively 8+ central midfielders.
Midfield numbers keep rising
From Tochi Chukwuani to Nico Raskin, then Cammy Devlin, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, Dan Neil and Ross McCrorie. At a bit of a push, there is Thelo Aasgaard and Findlay Curtis. Whether you say seven, eight or nine, Rangers are deeply stocked in that position. Consequently, Rangers are more than bustling in the engine room department. Yet, curiously, they are still linked with yet more. Not to mention Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade. The Serbian midfielder is another that Rangers appear to want. This would mean around 10 midfielders at the club.
Too many options in one area
Now, call us a little bit crazy. Admittedly, there is a bit of flexibility here with position. However, that might just be a little touch overkill. We are still, after all, being linked with Lewis Ferguson. We know that McInnes loves a midfielder. In all fairness, a great team needs to have a solid midfield that dictates and controls the game. It is absolutely true that Rangers have been bullied in that department for far too long. We cannot remember the last time that we had a strong midfield that actually owned matches.
Defence remains the bigger concern
However, there is no question the defence is completely decrepit. Defence is entirely lacking both centrally and in the wide positions. Consequently, having almost 10 central midfielders does, to us, reek a little bit of being mildly inappropriate. Now, Derek McInnes has himself admitted that a few do need to move on. That is abundantly clear. Rangers cannot go into the new season with a squad that contains around 10 central midfielders. That is far too heavy in one department, even if it does give Rangers a lot of choices and a lot of depth.
Changes are still expected
The number of defensive midfielders signed this summer does indicate that McInnes did not rate what we already had. However, they remain on the payroll, and they are part of the squad. This whole group of players is currently a bit imbalanced. We know that it is lacking quality in the wings for a start. As mentioned, defence certainly needs reinforcements. However, in midfield, it is overabundant. There is too much in there. McInnes will surely know this, even although he has signed around three or four new men in that slot. This is one we are eager to see how it plays out. One too many midfielders, to say the least, and not quite enough elsewhere.
At least attack seems to be settled, give or take.