Philippe Clement will need time to fully implement his ideas but one thing is clear, the new Rangers boss will make changes and one of them could well be moving John Souttar to midfield.
It might sound unlikely, however, the Belgian has previous for doing something similar and it was a key component of his success at Club Brugge.
In the versatile Philippe Clement, Rangers have a more flexible manager and moving John Souttar could well be a masterstroke.
Rangers moving John Souttar could be problem solution
An deep dive into the Gers boss during his time at Brugge by Toni Balandzic of Total Football Analysis Beale’s that centre-half Eder Balanta was signed but moved position to suit a tactical shift.
With a flat back four or a back three, Balanta operated in a defensive midfield role and John Souttar could easily replicate this job for Rangers.
The 27-year old Scotland international made his senior debut for Dundee United playing in midfield and his skill set is more suited than any other current member of the squad.
First and foremost, he’s a good defender, but he is also very comfortable in possession.
Then there is his trademark.
Since breaking into the team for Rangers, we have seen John Souttar dribbling the ball out from the back, a useful skill to break defensive lines, and hailed as “outstanding” by Michael Beale.
How many of our current number sixes posses this trait of being able to drive forwards?
What Souttar would also do is allow the more attack minded midfielders to concentrate on exactly that.
Putting square pegs in round holes has seen all cohesion lost in the final third.
The added benefit – in a back four – is that Rangers would be able to change system in-game with John Souttar in midfield.
Is it something that Philippe Clement might introduce?
We’ll have to wait and see.
