Someone who knows only too well what a good winger looks like is Alan Hutton, with the former Rangers right-back facing many in his time at Ibrox, the Premier League and at international level.
Brandon Barker has been given a chance to shine by Steven Gerrard and despite showing flashes of what he is capable of, he has yet to display the end product to match the excellent build up, but Hutton has identified what adjustment he needs to make to his game to ultimately become a success in Light Blue, as reported by Football Insider.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked to analyse Barker’s game time for Rangers so far this season and where he could improve, he said:
“Sometimes with quick players, they get into great positions because of their pace, but it’s then about taking control.
“Slow it down. See Kent, he’s got good pace but he’s also got good feet – he knows when to slow down, cut inside, put in a nice ball.
“I think that’s what Barker’s missing. The good thing is that Gerrard seems to trust him. He’s giving him the time, the run of games. He needed the run of games. He needs more ruthlessness – that final touch, that final pass.
“When he gets that he will be unstoppable on either wing. As a full-back, it’s the worst thing, someone who’s got good feet and good pace.”
So is Hutton correct?
Barker has been doing everything right, except for his final pass or shot at goal, in fairness though he has created chances for teammates that on another day would have been put away and in the process help his own statistics, but Hutton is right, it’s almost like he is two different players.
On the pre-season trip to France, the 23-year old was electric and genuinely looked like a new player, he has carried that confidence into the domestic season, regularly beating opposition defenders to fire a shot at goal or to get to the by-line to get a cross into the box, but he has to be more composed.
The comparison with Ryan Kent is perfect, his goal against Kilmarnock was calmly stroked into the corner, whereas when Barker had a similar chance against Hamilton – despite his side being 2-0 up at the time – he slashed it wide of the post and into the side netting.
Has Brandon Barker had enough chances?
Yes
No
How much more time he will get is up for debate with Joe Aribo and Cedric Itten set to return to action and Ianis Hagi showing that he is capable of contributing with greater consistency, even if he suffers a drop in form.
This isn’t a season where project players can be carried and if Barker doesn’t start delivering soon then Gerrard has to be ruthless and resign Barker to a bit part role off the bench where his pace can be utilised against tired defences to better effect, he may still be young but time isn’t on his side when it comes to his future at Ibrox.