“Ben Davies is better than Connor Goldson.” – A statement I heard at Ibrox at the weekend, yes it was from my 8-year old son, however, the point is still relevant.
There is a difference between making this sort of claim and not appreciating what Goldson brings to the defence though, his leadership is crucial to our chances of success and, without him, it isn’t anywhere near as well organised, however, in terms of who is the better player, I’d be inclined to agree with my son.
For a start, Davies doesn’t score the own goal that Goldson did against Hibs, why? Because Davies can clear the ball with both feet, Goldson has always struggled on his weaker side. Goldson is capable of the odd “what’s he doing?!” moment and even had a couple against Raith Rovers.
In 1v1 situations it’s not even close, Davies is quicker, has sharper movement and gets his body into a much better position than the vice-captain, he just doesn’t seem to get caught out or beaten whenever he is exposed by his team-mates or covering for others. Paulo Maldini once made a comment about defenders who go to ground and that it is a sign of being out of position, Davies very rarely leaves the pitch having had to get dirty. It is the trust in each other’s ability that allows them to focus on their individual games.
If the the former Liverpool player can add a similar threat to his partner in the opposite box then we will be looking even more productive at set-pieces, Goldson still, by far, is our most effective target.
The good things is, we don’t need to choose between the two of them and also now have a fit John Souttar to back them up, one more centre half in the summer and we will have a reliable unit that won’t see us have to play two midfielders at the back again.
Davies, at 27-years old, could well spend his best years at the club alongside Connor Goldson, who is only 30 himself, every successful Rangers side has been built on a sold back line and, hopefully, it’s a pairing that Michael Beale won’t have to worry about for a long, long time.
I think Gavin needs a brain enema! Davies is nowhere near as good as Goldson in the air and only thrives when Goldson gives him back up cover! I actually think Leon King is far better than Davies, but it’s a shame that he’s better on the right of centre, where Goldson plays. If I was King, I’d be off down south, if an offer came, as Beale obviously doesn’t like young players!
The stats don’t lie, have a look at the pair of them and come back to me…