Whilst the Ibrox debuts of Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo caught the eye in Rangers victory over West Ham, the match may give an insight how these two players can free Ryan Kent.
Albeit against a Premier League side in a pre-season friendly, Rangers fans got a glimpse of their side seemingly bolstered by two players who trade in football’s greatest currency; goals.
Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo scored either side of a Ryan Kent strike in an impressive Rangers pre-season victory that had even David Moyes purring at full-time.
But watching Scottish Premiership sides may well be rethinking how they plan to deal with Rangers next season as the Ibrox club gave rivals a glimpse into a free-scoring, dynamic trio who could prove the ultimate difference-makers this campaign.
Tom Lawrence – the Derby County captain and talisman last season – joins on a free and already excitement is building that this could be the brightest Rangers bargain for a generation.
Similarly, Rabbi Matondo looks an exciting prospect who after a big money move to Schalke and a loan stint in Belgium could find a home in Glasgow that makes the £2.5m spent look like change down the back of the couch.
But whilst the two appear destined to have a solid impact in Light Blue, their troublesome and threatening presence on the pitch may have a major knock-on effect with Ryan Kent.
Lawrence and Matondo can help free-up Rangers winger Ryan Kent
Ryan Kent has spoken honestly in the past about his frustration with negative tactics in Scottish football, the winger regularly doubled-up upon and his influence stifled.
This, coupled with a lack of these direct, goal-threats from midfield and out-wide in the Rangers squad, would be a successful tactic for many as they looked to nullify the Ibrox club’s effectiveness.
But as the new season approaches there will be plenty rival manager’s gulping at the thought of putting all the attention on Kent with Lawrence and Matondo also on the pitch.
Rival sides will now have to focus on several threats from that area of the pitch and in doing so can help free up Rangers winger Ryan Kent to have more room, options and opportunities from the left-hand side.
Not only is the presence of Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo good for this Rangers side, but the additions of the pair could be a literal game changer for the Ibrox club’s £7m man.
Meanwhile, Rangers are set to bank a guaranteed £19.6m as one player sets the benchmark for the Ibrox club’s future business.