Philippe Clement is finding out the hard way that moving on the Rangers players he doesn’t see a future for or can’t stay fit isn’t as easy as it is on Football Manager.
The Gers boss lost five experienced players and brought in five youngsters to replace them but there are still question marks over the spine of the team.
The recruitment issues of last summer have come back to haunt Rangers, however, one player is keen to make amends for a wasted season.
Kieran Dowell reflects on Rangers frustrations
In just 680 minutes last season, Kieran Dowell still managed to chip in with three goals and two assists, but it is the big number that really held him back.
Along with Sam Lammers, Dowell was one of only a few players who actually looked decent last pre-season, like his Dutch colleague, he just wasn’t able to carry that form into the proper football.
When asked by The Rangers Review to reflect on the last campaign, he said:
“It was just so frustrating. Really frustrating.
“Obviously, I was learning a new position as a central midfielder which I hadn’t really played before. That was due to availability and stuff but in amongst that there were injuries, which was so frustrating. But I’m feeling good now.
“I’m feeling fresh, I’ve had a good rest over the summer and I’m fighting fit now.”
“He is a really good coach in training and he helps you a lot,” Dowell said of Clement.
“He has taught me a lot about learning new roles as a central midfielder. He has added a few strings to my bow already, which is great.
“He wants you to play, he encourages you to try stuff. He is a good manager.”
What does the future hold for Kieran Dowell
Dowell clearly has technical ability and an eye for a pass and a goal, but as he suggests, he must get used to being more of a box-to-box midfielder for Rangers.
Clement lost John Lundstram and Ryan Jack from his midfield so he will be looking for others to step up and take more responsibility.
Dowell has already dropped back in terms of positioning on the pitch and he has the passing range to dictate the tempo of play too, however, it is a totally different skillset in terms of putting out fires and reading the game.
With Rangers full-backs pushing high up the pitch, the two midfielders have to be comfortable with the play in front of them and all 11 players of the opposition behind the ball.
Before he can even think about what role he could play for Rangers, Dowell’s priority is keeping fit.
Given Philippe Clement’s frustration with the injury list last season, it still wouldn’t be a surprise if the 26-year old is playing somewhere else altogether next season.
