From tackling Shkupi to title success.
Ups, downs and everything in between – the story of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers is now three years in the making.
Sky Sports have put Gerrard’s Ibrox tenure under the spotlight with a very thorough longform article, in what is a recommended read.
Looking back now, the scale of the job can be truly appreciated.
In the Summer of 2018, a shell of a squad was inherited – immediate success would be an almighty challenge but undoubted progress was a necessity.
The Sky Sports article takes a look at the key themes and hallmarks of the current Rangers team, ‘tightening the defence’, ‘defending from the front’ and ‘modern full-backs’.
On the latter, the following is stated:
‘Rangers’ game has progressed thanks to their full-backs. It sounds like a lazy analysis to make given the stats available but Tavernier and Barisic’s importance to this team’s productivity cannot be overstated.’
‘That was laid bare at different times in Gerrard’s first season as Barisic struggled to adapt to the league and with injuries at various points in the campaign.’
‘Tavernier was always known for his attacking intent but that could be blunted if Barisic wasn’t offering a similar threat on the other side, making teams work harder while having to deal with crosses and key passes from both sides of the pitch.’
‘Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday did not possess the same attacking strengths or sense of balance and, when either, or both, Tavernier and Barisic were forced to drop out through injury then Rangers’ end product dipped.’
‘This could be seen towards the end of last season with Ryan Kent, in particular, unable to carry out much of his organised chaos in the final third without Barisic overlapping or offering support.’
‘Rangers have lost goals this season – see Motherwell and Standard Liege at Ibrox – due to teams taking advantage of their high pressing full-backs but it is a risk and reward system.’
‘Tavernier has scored 11 league goals and provided nine assists so far this term.’
Facts
The joy in this article lies in the facts and stats that it reflects.
Key games, incidents and information are all analysed.
‘The press, the pace and possession are key elements of Gerrard’s game plan.’
Tactics, setbacks and changes are also underlined as well as criticism of areas where Gerrard and his team have fell short.
Then there is the question of what happens next?
‘Rangers went out of the Europa League to Slavia Prague but have lost just six times in 45 European matches under Gerrard.’
‘Next season they will aim to reach the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in a decade.’
‘It is a remarkable transformation when one remembers where the side’s continental reputation stood upon his arrival, especially after that warm evening in Luxembourg City in July 2017.’
Not only in Europe, but in the Premiership too – Rangers have to find the next level, they cannot afford to stand still.
Room for improvement is assessed over what will be a very interesting window this summer, prior to the Gers assault on the Champions League.
With a selection of images and infographs used, the article reflects the evolution of Gerrard’s Rangers from Day one until the present and the enduring challenges that prevail in Glasgow.