We’re using the international break to take a look at some stats and in this piece, with the help of WhoScored.com, we bring you Rangers’ top three key passers in the Premiership.
Steven Gerrard’s side haven’t been at their free-flowing best during the opening months of the season but, domestically at least, they’ve been grinding out results.
A win over previously unbeaten Hibs just prior to the break moved the Gers onto 19 points from a possible 24, leaving them top of the table and one ahead of second-placed Hearts, who travel to Ibrox next weekend.
Here are Rangers’ top three key passers in the Premiership so far this campaign in reverse order:
3) Borna Barisic – 9
Barisic has only turned out four times for the Gers in the league so far this season, with Calvin Bassey preferred at left-back in the other half of the matches.
The 28-year-old hasn’t produced his best levels yet but he did assist Alfredo Morelos’ winner against Hibs on Sunday and his early-season average of 2.3 key passes per game is impressive.
Barisic has also managed five key passes from just two appearances in the Europa League.
2) Joe Aribo – 14
Aribo was rated as the Premiership Player of the Month for September by WhoScored and while there are elements of his attacking play that he still must improve, his key passing stats are strong.
He’s started every 2021/22 league match to date so his average per game is lower than Barisic’s, but 14 is a good tally at this stage.
1) James Tavernier – 20
The presence of a second full-back in this top three provides yet more evidence of their importance to Rangers’ style of play.
Tavernier missed the Old Firm and was left on the bench against Hibs at the weekend but he’s still well ahead of anyone else in the squad in this area.
He may not be firing on all cylinders just yet but an average of 3.3 key passes per game is outstanding. For context, Bruno Fernandes has the same average for Manchester United so far this season.
In other news, Rangers Women hammered a Glasgow club on Wednesday night to continue their stunning start to the season.
