Before Philippe Clement arrived at Rangers, it seemed laughable to produce this sort of list, however, our recent form makes it an awful lot easier.
Michael Beale was Gers boss for most of the year but half the squad has changed too so it makes sense that those who are performing now are catapulted to the top.
There’s no doubt that Philippe Clement will want to bring in his own players but, who out of the current crop have impressed in 2023, which Rangers players can he rely on going into 2024?
Philippe Clement’s top three players for Rangers this year
These are the three players selected as despair and disgruntlement has gradually swung round to hope and excitement.
Jack Butland
The first one was easy.
Signing of the summer and, already, one of the club’s best-ever Bosman deals.
It was always going to be hard to replace Allan McGregor which is why it took two seasons longer than it should have but, at least they got it right.
Not put a foot wrong and has made big saves when he has needed too, a key reason why only eight goals have been conceded in the league so far this season and the Europa League group was topped.
Michael Beale’s Sasa Papac.
John Lundstram
It wasn’t that long ago that fans were wanting him chased.
Last season he spoke about having to play through a couple of injuries but he has been our most consistent outfield performer in 2023/24.
Since Philippe Clement took over at Rangers he has been even better.
Huge performances in the Europa League and a dominant display in the league cup final have epitomised his resurgence under the Belgian boss.
Belinda Carlisle can be heard once again by the Ibrox faithful.
James Tavernier
Just in ‘23/24 alone he has 15 goals and six assists, add his numbers from the second half off last season and you have the sort of statistics that Brian Laudrup would have been proud of.
He remains our most potent creative threat and also the man that Philippe Clement can rely on to produce a big moment when it matters most for Rangers.
The skipper looks on a mission.
Most of 2023 was dull, uninspiring and rudderless, now though, there is renewed optimism.
A seven-point gap has been cut to two, a trophy has been won and we topped a Europa League group featuring La Liga opposition.
The big question is, can Clement get us to the top for Hogmanay?
