Rangers have had a 2024 to forget after losing two cup finals and the Scottish Premiership title when all three were within Philippe Clement’s grasp.
Ultimately, the manager not being able to beat Celtic has cost him dearly, but now has to contend with a squad that struggles badly away from Ibrox.
There are signs that there is a core of players who can be trusted, however, as seen with who has made the most appearances over the last 12 months, Rangers still have problems in terms of quality.
Most Rangers appearances for 2024 – defence
The defence, aside from a bizarre habit of coughing up individual goals, has been consistent with Clement looking increasingly frustrated with an issue that he can do little about.
If it was one player, he would be able to drop them, but when every defender has been culpable, what chance does he have?
Here are the defenders who have made the most appearances in 2024.
It’s no surprise to see Jack Butland and James Tavernier at the top of this list with John Souttar’s emergence as a reliable option proving that he was worth taking a punt on via a Bosman transfer.
That the defence has looked a lot weaker without him shows just how important a player he has become for Rangers.
Dujon Sterling might have played everywhere on the park, but his place at fifth on the list shows he isn’t as injury prone as some might make out.
Jefte may only be on this list due to injury to Ridvan Yilmaz, but he has been a welcome addition and looks like he has the potential to make a profit on the £600,000 fee paid to Fluminense.
| Name | Appearances |
| Cyriel Dessers | 53/57 |
| James Tavernier | 52 |
| Jack Butland | 51 |
| John Souttar | 45 |
| Dujon Sterling | 44 |
| Mohamed Diomande | 44 |
| Nicolas Raskin | 37 |
| Connor Barron | 28 |
| Vaclav Cerny | 27 |
| Jefte | 26 |
| Nedim Bajrami | 22 |
| Robin Propper | 21 |
Most Rangers appearances for 2024 – midfield
The midfield saw something of a changing of the guard in the summer with John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Todd Cantwell all departing.
Mohamed Diomande has rediscovered his best form after an early season dip with Nicolas Raskin emerging, arguably, as Rangers’ best and most important player.
Connor Barron looks like a solid rotation or backup option and, at least, seems to have the right attitude.
Most Rangers appearances for 2024 – attack
Whether it is with an attacking midfielder or a second striker, the fact that no one player has held down the No.10 role paints a telling picture about Rangers’ problems this season.
For the first time in years, the Gers boss has a choice of strikers and, with everyone fit, the first pick isn’t the player with the most appearances out of the whole squad in 2024.
Cyriel Dessers now finds himself as third choice behind Danilo and Hamza Igamane and the difference in play couldn’t be more marked.
If the Nigeria international is still at the club this time next year, someone hasn’t been doing their job.
Rangers most played XI
