Rangers have the best defence when compared to Europe’s top five leagues, Portugal, Holland and Scotland, that’s not just my opinion, it is statistically correct.
Josh Williams, a football scouting writer, produced the following graph that shows, clearly, just how good we have been at the back this season in what has been a key component in our success:
I’m sharing this with the obvious caveat that the quality of each league is different, but Steven Gerrard is good. pic.twitter.com/J36WyvGug7
— Josh Williams (@DistanceCovered) March 9, 2021
The cliché that goals win games and defences win championships has never been more apparent, not only are Rangers not conceding goals domestically – just nine in the whole season – we aren’t conceding chances or letting the opposition get shots off.
For perspective, we are giving up less than six shots per game, Dundee United are up at 16 and Atletico Madrid – who are known for being tight – are over double figures, it’s a truly remarkable achievement requiring organisation, planning and a commitment to the cause.
Further analysts added to the conversation, stunned at how not only are Rangers out pressing some of the best in the Premier League but there are also keeping the door shut at the other end, something that the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United are struggling to do:
Unnerving how consistent they are. pic.twitter.com/kvGTEVCa2K
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) March 9, 2021
The average player positions again shows just how well drilled Gerrard’s side has become, personnel may have changed slightly and get rotated throughout the season, but every player knows their role and every player carries out the instructions to perfection.
It’s almost like change doesn’t happen overnight and that being patient pays off in the long run.