Rangers dominated against Kilmarnock before and after the red card incident that saw the visitors reduced to 10-men.
Jack Butland had to wait over 10 minutes for his first touch of the ball such was the pressure that the Ibrox outfit’s midfield was applying every time Killie gained possession.
It was the type of game that Rangers playmakers should be dominating, and yet, one found himself targeted by Maurice Ross for his lack of contribution.
- READ MORE: Who is Todd Cantwell? All you need to know about Rangers playmaker including his song and Chris Sutton beef
Todd Cantwell criticised for lack of Rangers creativity
Todd Cantwell was on fire as Philippe Clement’s number 10 before a hamstring injury saw him sidelined.
After his return, he just hasn’t been the same player and has failed to score in any of his last seven games.
Against Kilmarnock, he touched the ball just 51 times and gave possession away on 12 occasions, managing only one key pass in his 70-minute appearance.
What didn’t help his cause was Tom Lawrence replacing him, scoring a screamer and then having a hand in another.
With Kilmarnock sitting so deep, Cantwell should have been the one Rangers turned to.
John Lundstram was the one trying to dictate play, but Cantwell just couldn’t get into the game and it is a regular occurrence against ultra-defensive teams.
Look at the recent dropped points at Ross County and Dundee, Cantwell was signed to dominate those type of games and be the difference maker.
Phillipe Clement must find a way of freeing up his best playmaker so that he can provide the inspiration.
Posting on X after the game, Maurice Ross was far from impressed with Todd Cantwell replying to one Rangers fan who thought the Light Blues number 13 had played well:
“Zero chances created!! Miles aff it.”
Ross has a point.
With over 40 shots at goal for Rangers, you would expect Cantwell to be heavily involved, instead, he only had three himself with one on target.
At Hampden, against Hearts, Cantwell was Rangers best player, but he has to learn how to do it in games where he doesn’t have as much space.
Philippe Clement had major Old Firm call to make
Clement has a serious decision to make for Parkhead.
Todd Cantwell or Tom Lawrence?
What might go in Cantwell’s favour, is that in the last Old Firm at Ibrox, he played a big role in turning momentum back in Rangers direction and it is the type of game that suits him.
Lawrence’s shooting ability and direct style of play can’t be ignored though, and it will be interesting to see what decision the Belgian manager takes.
If Todd Cantwell wants to really cement any type of legacy at Rangers, now would be a good time to show the sort of form that saw a £50m price tag slapped on his head.
