Perhaps the most dramatic shift from the Giovanni van Bronckhorst era to the Mick Beale regime concerns the positioning and the role of Ryan Kent in this Rangers side.
Under the Dutchman, Kent was tasked with hugging the touchline, staying as wide as possible and covering his boots in a thick layer of chalk. Beale, since replacing Van Bronckhorst in November, has revolutionised the former Liverpool youngster, transforming Kent into something akin to a roving, rampaging ‘number ten’.
Considering that two of his goals this season have come since the turn of the year, it’s a shift that looks more and more justified with every confidence-boosting display.
“I want to set him free to go and play football with a smile on his face,” Beale explains (Rangers Review). “And he’s doing that.”
Ryan Kent; Reborn at Rangers
Is it any coincidence, then, that Rangers’ supposed interest in Algeria international Ahmed Kendouci appeared to go by the wayside once it became apparent that Kent would not only survive but thrive in Beale’s new-look system?
Football Scotland reported at the start of December that Rangers had opened talks with ES Setif. The Glasgow giants wanted Kendouci on loan initially, and there was a quiet confidence that a deal could be agreed.
During Rangers’ next two outings, however, Kent provided assists against both St Mirren and Hibernian. And then a goal in the Old Firm derby on January 2nd. Kent, so often on the periphery under Van Bronckhorst, was edging back towards the kind of exhilarating, relentless displays that made him one of Scotland’s most feared attackers during the Steven Gerrard reign.
Kendouci, while not an identical player, does his best work in the sort of role Kent is now operating in at Ibrox; drifting across the frontline, picking up possession in pockets of pace before using his mesmeric footwork and explosive acceleration to great effect.
“His creative figures are out of this world,” stats website Total Football Analysis explains of Kendouci. “He has a top passing quality to get the ball into dangerous positions and a great view of the pitch. His great delivery from set pieces also contributes to these figures.
“Kendouci has the technical quality to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and escape pressure. He’s also very creative with his first touch. (He) can leave players behind with unexpected flicks, and carries the ball forward at a very good speed.
“But apart from creating chances, Kendouci also stands out as a finisher himself. He gets into the box a lot and poses a big goal threat.”
‘Not shutting the door on staying’
Kent is not quite as technical as Kendouci. He, for instance, lacks the Algerian’s penchant for defence-splitting through balls. But, when at his free-flowing best, the Oldham-born 26-year-old can leave almost any defender in the division for dead. When Kent a man reborn, Egyptian giants Al Ahly were able to pick up Kendouci for a cool £900,000 towards the end of January with comparatively little fuss.
This may not be a case of Rangers ‘missing out’. But of Rangers deciding that Kendouci, with Kent in such promising form, was no longer required. Beale, meanwhile, is increasingly positive about the prospect of Kent staying at Ibrox beyond the end of his current contract.
“I love them both (Kent and Alfredo Morelos),” Beale tells the Record.
“At this moment in time, if you’re asking would I prefer Rangers with both boys here? Of course I would. Do I feel there’s a future at Rangers without them? Yeah, I do.
“But 100 per cent there’s a vibe that they’re not shutting the door on staying.”
