I don’t think we’ve really seen Rangers strongest XI together yet this season.
Between injuries and squad rotation, Gerrard hasn’t fully settled on a consistent XI so far this year. But there are certain names who are always first on the team sheet.
As the season enters its second phase after the international break, we look at the players who when combined, make up Rangers strongest XI.
The question is, will they get the chance to prove it in the coming weeks?
GK – Allan McGregor
Between him and Foderingham, there’s only really one winner. Allan McGregor is a wholly reliable presence between the sticks and fans and players alike are confident with him goals. At 36, he’s only getting better with age. Is he the Scottish Gigi Buffon or is Gigi Buffon the Italian Allan McGregor?
DR – James Tavernier
Rangers captain fantastic has been utterly superb this season. Not only has he contributed eight goals from right back this year, but he’s really lifted his game with the captaincy. He’s also ice cool on the spot. Arguably first name on the team sheet at the minute. But that probably goes to a little Colombian. We’ll get to him later.
DC – Connor Goldson
The big English centre half has been a rock at the back for Rangers. Barring a sloppy display against Motherwell, the £3.5m man has shown his real value to this side. He’s a leader and has brought organisation to the defence. Another who’s one of the first names on the team sheet.
DC – Joe Worrall
Joe Worrall just pips Nikola Katic here although it’s a close-run thing. Both are supreme young talents and will have decent futures in the game, but Worrall is first choice as he appears to be Steven Gerrard’s. He’s composed, vocal and physical. Katic also had a wobble on his recall against Hamilton on Sunday.
DL – Borna Barisic
Another area were there could potentially be a dispute. Barasic joined the club after he impressed playing against Rangers for NK Osijek. A Croatian international, he only just gets the jump on Jon Flanagan, who’s conventionally a right back. Flanagan has been superb when called upon, but Barisic is only going to get better once he settles.
CDM – Lassana Coulibaly
The big man’s not quite hit the heights he did prior to his injury, but he’s the best in that energetic, box-to-box role at the club. Once the Malian gets back to full fitness he’ll be very much the “destroyer” Gerrard touted him as. He will be vital this season.
CM – Scott Arfield
Another who is one of the first names on the team sheet when available. The Canadian has brought leadership, guile and invention to the middle of the park. He’s also sorely missed when he’s not in the team. He’ll be back in on Thursday.
CM – Ovie Ejaria
It’s undoubtedly between Ovie and Ryan Jack for the final midfield starting berth, but let me explain my choice. Jack really needs a run of games. Ejaria also offers something technically Jack can’t, but Jack offers a physicality and work-rate Ejaria doesn’t at times. It’s a hard call, but on current form, the gangly midfielder gets the shout.
RW – Daniel Candeias
As Lee McCulloch said, Daniel Candeias’ work-rate sets the tone for the rest of the team. He does so much of the industrious, hard running but supplements it with real quality, technical wingplay. Last season’s POTY might not get the accolade this year, but that won’t stop him giving everything he has for the cause.
ST – Alfredo Morelos
Rangers’ talismanic forward is getting better with every game. He has led the line superbly for the club all season and is quite rightly being showered with plaudits by the fans. A real character on and off the pitch, it’s an exciting time for him, and Rangers. The first name on the teamsheet at present.
LW – Ryan Kent
I like the way Ryan Kent quietly went about his business after signing on loan. He comes across as quite a shy character and it hasn’t really stuck for him in previous loan moves. He is absolutely loving it at Rangers and has shown his class recently. Kent is really enjoying his football at the minute. He looks a real talent, and what’s more, he could yet end up at Ibrox next year.
