When Rangers Football Club is mentioned, several things are likely to pop into your mind. Their iconic blue jersey, their devoted and often loud fanbase, and—of course—the legendary players who have worn that blue. Now, among those legends, you could make a very long list of players who were standouts in their day. And you could make a case for several of those players being among the greatest of their kind in their era. But, really, when it comes down to it, there are only a handful of Rangers players who can truly be called legends. And when you talk about Rangers legends, you are, in fact, talking about a number of great midfielders who represented the club.
We start with the one and only Paul Gascoigne, who turned out for Rangers in the mid-1990s. Gascoigne, or “Gazza” as he is known, was more than just a player. He was a phenomenon and an absolute magician with the ball. He could dribble past defenders like they were not even there. And he had a knack for scoring goals that left fans and opponents alike gasping in disbelief. Remember that one time he scored an absolute screamer against Scotland in Euro ’96? Well, at Rangers, he was making magic happen on a weekly basis. And the way he did it was just as much a part of his appeal as the end result. His pure, unadulterated creativity made him exciting to watch. And the Ibrox faithful, as a result, were never bored.
Next, we have Barry Ferguson. His presence in the middle of the park was as comforting and reliable as your favorite pair of old sneakers. He was tough as nails but also had the finesse to control games from deep positions in the midfield. He wasn’t afraid to tackle and could do it well enough to make you wince. But then, almost as if by magic, he’d follow up with a pass that was so precise and visionary it might make even your grandma proud. Seriously though, that’s the kind of player we’re talking about here. And this is the kind of influence he exerted during his time at Rangers. He was a leader both on and off the pitch, and the team played better when he was in the lineup.
Let’s also remember Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the elegant Dutchman who brought a touch of class and plenty of verve to Rangers’ midfield during his time at the club. Van Bronckhorst was a versatile operator, capable of playing in defense or attack—though he played mostly as a left-sided midfielder in his Rangers days. “Gio,” as he is affectionately known, had a sweet left foot and was a dead-ball specialist. He was also a very good passer of the ball, and it was often he who provided the assists for Rangers’ attacking players. Van Bronckhorst was an intelligent player, and it showed in his decision-making on the pitch.
And how can we discuss remarkable midfielders without mentioning Steven Davis? The Northern Irish international has been around for what feels like forever—and let me tell you, he’s still got it! In fact, he’s one of those players who doesn’t always seem to get the recognition he deserves. He’s much more than just a safe pair of hands; he’s an excellent footballer who makes everything look easy. Of course, it’s not easy at all; Davis just makes it look that way. He’s also one of those players who seems to make everyone else around him play better—an absolutely invaluable asset to any team he plays for.
Let’s not forget John Lundstram, fresh on the scene yet making quite an impact in this storied group. His tenacity and grit bring to mind some of the greats who have preceded him. He is a throwback to the kind of midfielder Rangers fans love—one with heart and hustle. And he’s proven himself of late, stepping up when it counts, whether it’s a knockout cup tie or a must-win league game. Plus, he’s no slouch when it comes to giving the kind of interview that absolutely screams “Rangers player.” You’d better not lose track of what you’re watching undisturbed.
In any case, this little trip down memory lane has highlighted some of the greatest Rangers midfielders over the years. Whether they worked their magic out on the wing, as an old-school number 8, or sitting deep in what is now called a double pivot, these guys have been at the heart of what the club stands for. Next time you’re asked to name a great Rangers midfielder, you can draw from this list and maybe even inspire someone to pull up a classic match on YouTube for a bit of nostalgia!