Gareth McAuley, the last and final signing of the summer for Rangers marked the incoming of the 15th player in the transfer window for the Gers. It would be fair to say that Steven Gerrard and the board decided to go through a major shakeup of the squad as they try to end their bitter rivals Celtic’s domination in the Scottish Premiership. McAuley’s signing was overshadowed by yet another defeat for the Gers in the Old Firm derby. However, we believe this can turn out to be a shrewd piece of business by Gerrard and Co.
It was clear that when Gerrard came in that he had to solve the problems at the back. The Gers had the worst defensive record among any of the top seven sides last season, and a defensive overhaul was imminent. New signings like Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic have already showcased their worth, but the squad was still lacking regarding backup options. That is where the signing of the Northern Irish international would come into play.
And to top it off, McAuley also happens to Rangers fan. After signing the 38-year-old had said,”It’s massive for me personally. My family support the club and me myself as well. The street I was born on, the kerbs are painting red, white and blue so to get the opportunity to play for this famous club is amazing. I’m delighted to be here. I feel very honoured to be here and privileged as well.”
“I hope to bring experience. There is a young group of players here and hopefully, I can help them with my knowledge, develop them and challenge them to play in the team.”- he added further.
What will he add to Gerrard’s team?
Experience, Experience and more experience. McAuley is a veteran of over 500 games in his career including 203 matches in the Premier League. He was an integral member of the West Brom squad where they were known to be defensively organised and were hard to break through under Tony Pulis. One wouldn’t expect him to start all the games, but with Europa League encounter also to look after, Gerrard would be glad to have a man like him in defence.
Apart from that, off the field, McAuley can work with young defenders like Joe Worrall etc and can teach them a few of his life lessons and organisational skills at the back. McAuley has been a thorough professional throughout his career and even if he doesn’t get regular chances, expect him to be the team man and perform well at every given opportunity.
Defensively he might not have the pace to burn, but he would be strong in the air and would organise the defence well. The defender has even scored 43 goals in his career so one can expect some goals here and there from him while the team is attacking in set-piece situations.
