Andy Halliday must’ve thought his Rangers career was over.
Forced out to Azerbaijan by Pedro Caxinha, the midfielder spent six months in Baku at Gabala.
His return was fraught with mistakes and anxious performances too. Even if Graeme Murty had farmed him out into left back.
When Gerrard arrived, Halliday looked a goner, alongside the rest of the team. But he worked-hard, gritted his teeth, and now he’s a key part of Gerrard’s plans. Particularly, it seems, in Europe.
What’s more, last night against Villarreal, the midfielder put in a performance the likes of Xavi and Iniesta would’ve been proud of in the El Madrigal. Ok, so let’s not go overboard.
But Halliday, like those two, can now say he all but bossed the Villarreal pitch in his time.
91.4% pass accuracy across 90 minutes
Halliday had a superb game last night. Not only did he come across as a composed and controlled presence at the tip of the defence, but he also played football excellently.
Halliday had a 91.4% pass accuracy last night in a midfield that composed of some big money signings.
It even matched Santi Cazorla.
Halliday also won three tackles and made two interceptions, the highest of any Rangers midfielder. Andy Halliday also had more touches than any other midfielder.
It was a solid, commendable performance from a player who is becoming a reliable squad player. If not a match winner.
Only one player with higher pass accuracy after 90
What’s incredible is that Halliday didn’t even have the highest pass accuracy after 90.
Surprise inclusion Joe Worrall was superb at the back and the big Notts Forest loanee boasted an incredible 97.6% pass accuracy rating.
Fans were impressed by what they seen from Worrall last night. As they were with Halliday.
But it was a the whole team’s second half performance which really had the fans signing.
