Joe Worrall’s performances have been something of a mystery since he arrived at Rangers.
The 21-year-old is clearly highly regarded by parent club Nottingham Forest, as they reportedly turned down an 11.5 million offer from Burnley for his services, last January.
However, while he has potential, they are also aware that he is far from the finished article. This belief saw the powers that be send him to Rangers to develop further.
The 6ft 4′ centre-back started well and has shown promise on occasion. However, he had an absolute nightmare against Dundee on Sunday.
Right from the kick-off, he set the tone for both his individual and the team performance. Receiving the ball from Candeias, he proceeded to spray an ambitious pass straight into touch.
It was deja vu towards the end of the first period, as an even wilder pass flew towards the Rangers dugout. This time, the manager couldn’t contain his fury, losing it completely with his defender’s carelessness.
Sure, his defending isn’t perfect, and he was badly caught out of position for Kenny Miller’s goal. But, that isn’t the main issue here.
He managed to keep a clean sheet over 90 minutes against a Villarreal attack boasting Carlos Bacca, so he can be resolute.
Poor distribution is the major concern
It’s the quality of his distribution which is the glaring issue. When pressing to score goals, the last thing Rangers need is someone they can’t trust to do the right thing at the back.
Ahead of a big European occasion, Gareth McAuley is the much better pick. A bread and butter central defender, he wont be spraying any 60-yard passes, but he will take most efficient, low-risk option, giving a sense of security to the rest of the team.
In a must win tie, the last thing Rangers need tomorrow night is an errand square pass. Carelessness in possession is infectious.
For that reason, surely, Worrall must make way for McAuley.
