For years, Rangers had defensive midfielders, deep-lying playmakers and central midfielders who could control a game, which makes the current team all the more frustrating.
There is a number six sized hole in the engine room that Philippe Clement has hinted at fixing via the free agent market, however, it is a problem that he shouldn;t have inherited in the first place.
One midfield organiser who knew how to dictate the tempo is one of Rangers finest in Barry Ferguson, with his name on the Ibrox Hall of Fame board for a reason.
Barry Ferguson hails Rangers impact of Connor Barron
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show podcast, after his frustration of the performances of the wingers and the lack of leadership shown in Rangers display, he has seen something to be encouraged by in the shape of Connor Barron:
“It is difficult when you give the ball away and it may affect you. But he goes and tries to get it back again.
“And do you know what? I am having that all day long. As I said, when Rangers announced the signing I was thinking to myself ‘hmm I wasn’t sure’.
“I like what I seen at Aberdeen but it is a big step up. But he’s come in and certainly been one of the first picks, I am sure.
“He shows a real good attitude and looks to me the type of boy who is desperate to learn as well. And that is a great thing to have.
“Since he has come in I have certainly been impressed by him.”
High praise indeed from someone who should know a midfielder when he sees one.
Ferguson is right, Barron has earned his place in the starting XI, but it looks like he needs an older, wiser head behind him to pull his lead and keep him on the straight and narrow.
Barron impresses after making instant Rangers impact
Moving from Aberdeen to Rangers is a step up and a totally different style of play, but it is one that Barron is adapting to and enjoying, as told to The Rangers Review:
“It’s been good. It’s always nice to hear that the manager is happy, it’s about me continuing to develop as a player here. I’ve got a lot of work to do, I know that. I need to be that character in the dressing room as well.
“The manager obviously knew what sort of player I was before bringing me in. He thought I was going to be the right fit for Rangers and so did I. You can see on the pitch that I fit right into the team so far and it’s about continuing to build as a team.
“The performances will keep coming.
What Barron needs to add to his game now is discipline.
By this, that doesn’t mean how he tackles or challenges opposition players.
He needs to be more savvy positionally.
As much as he wants to win every ball, there are times when he needs to read the game and think about what the opponent’s next move is going to be.
Sometimes, not engaging is the best way to win the ball back if a pass can be intercepted instead.
Barron has already improved since joining on a Bosman in the summer, but his next step is to learn control and maturity in terms of when to press and when to sit and occupy space.
If he does this, he might one day be fit enough to lace Ferguson’s boots.
