Todd Cantwell is flying for Rangers just now and is proving that there was no need to tinker with the number ten role in the summer.
What we have learned though, is that Gers boss Philippe Clement has to find a way to make sure that, in his absence, that there is someone in the squad capable of lighting up Ibrox in the same manner.
Obviously, having a player of Todd Cantwell’s ability on the bench for Rangers isn’t realistic, however, looking at DataMB’s comparison model, we have two players who could offer backup.
Todd Cantwell backup can be found within Rangers squad
The 25-year old’s attitude, work rate, endeavour and determination to make something happen has never been in doubt.
If anything, he has been trying too hard this season.
On his 50th appearance for the club, we saw the latest example of why it has suddenly clicked with his fifth goal in his last seven league appearances.
So, how do you replace this?
The same way that you would with recruitment and a model that the club is moving to.
Interestingly, it was recent £4.3m signing Mohamed Diomande who replaced Cantwell against Aberdeen and it may be that we see the January signing utilised in that role.
There are two other players on the books who also have a shout though.
The key metrics for a Rangers number ten should be expected goals and assists, key passes, being able to dribble or carry the ball and goals.
At the moment, few are better at this than Todd Cantwell.
In Alex Lowry and Ianis Hagi, as the radar below shows, there are two players who could step in without missing a beat.
Obviously, Lowry is currently out injured but he should be back after the March international break and Hagi will return in the summer.
The signing of Diomande suggests that the Romanian international, as one of our more saleable assets, will be allowed to move on – and there is always interest.
Lowry doesn’t need to be Cantwell but, if he can come off the bench for him and provide cover, then he should be trusted to do so and his statistics suggest that he could.
As we’ve seen with Ross McCausland, give youth a chance and they might just save you a pound or two.
