There seems to have been one position that Rangers fans and Philippe Clement agree could and should have been addressed in the summer.
The manager considered signing a proven number six, to the extent that a free agent transfer was considered a “possibility”.
Instead, the Rangers boss has gone into the season with just Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron as consistent options to play in front of the back four.
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Nils Koppen comments benefit Rangers midfield duo
Similar in profile, however, where Raskin is probably a better forward passer, Barron has greater leadership qualities – in short, there isn’t much between them.
Speaking to The Rangers Review, Nils Koppen’s explanation as to why another defence minded midfielder or deep-lying playmaker wasn’t brought in makes a lot of sense:
“Connor Barron has started really well, and you have Nico Raskin in that position too. Maybe we could have signed a No.6 this season and pushed again and again over the limit financially, but then do you also kill the value of the players you have in that position?
“There are so many factors attached to all the decisions you make. You have to consider the overall picture. The cost, the other players in that position and the long-term strategy.”
Rangers transfer reset was badly needed
Koppen is right.
Had Rangers signed Joan Jordan or Steven Alzate, they would have played.
This would mean that Barron wouldn’t have been afforded the game time that has seen him called up to Scotland’s senior squad in the last two international breaks and Raskin the chance to get match fit.
For the redesigned player trading model to work, players like Barron and Raskin have to be playing regularly otherwise they won’t develop or maximise their potential and, ultimately, their transfer values.
The ability of the pair to be what Rangers need at number six can be argued until the cows come home, but the theory behind not signing an experienced operator is sound.
