Following on from our assessment of Nikola Katic, attentions turn to another of Rangers’ summer signings.
Jon Flanagan.
When the 25-year-old joined on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer, it looked an excellent move from Steven Gerrard.
That is, despite recent personal troubles and a history of knee injuries.
After all, this was a player
once valued at £7.2 million at age 21. He had performed consistently at right-back for the Reds, even as a teenager.
However, it simply hasn’t went well for Flanagan at Ibrox.
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Firstly, he was always going to find it difficult to get a game in his preferred position, as it is occupied by club captain, James Tavernier.
Consequently, the vast majority of his appearances have come at left-back, covering for the stricken Borna Barisic.
He has made 22 appearances in all, contributing to ten clean sheets. Even though one of those came during a two-minute Old Firm cameo, on paper, that’s a strong record.
However, his performances simply haven’t been up to scratch.
Clearly, it isn’t his fault that he has regularly been asked to play an unfamiliar position.
Yet, he has looked leggy and easy to isolate in wide positions. Flanagan’s distribution is also regularly wayward.
He rarely contributes going forward, and that was something Rangers have sorely missed in Barisic’s absence.
Looking ahead, opportunities may be few and far between in 2019. Lets hope a short winter break will help clear the mind, and Gers fans will see more of the old Flanagan, during the crucial run in.