Rangers have struggled ever since the winter break, but they were able to scrape past Hibernian thanks to a moment of brilliance from new signing Ianis Hagi. It’s tough to ascertain what has gone wrong since the break. Is it the break in momentum or mental fatigue or pressure of the title race or maybe injuries to crucial players like Tavernier and Jack? Your guess is as good as ours. To be fair, it seems like a bit of everything, but hopefully, the win against Hibernian will change the tide soon. One issue where Rangers have struggled is being too passive in midfield. With Jack injured, the likes of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara needed to step up. However, both of them have disappointed so far. Kamara was dropped in favour of Ianis Hagi who scored the matchwinner against the Hibs. After his influential display, Hagi is likely to start the upcoming few games.
Davis’ struggles so far
Steven Davis hasn’t been in his element for close to a month now, and he was supposed to be the difference-maker at this time given his experience. Davis is at his best when he moves the ball swiftly and links up play from one end of the pitch to another. However, the Northern Irishman is struggling to dictate the game from deep areas as he is dwelling too much on the ball.
He is also giving away the ball cheaply on a few occasions by trying a clipped ball in the box from the middle. With no real targetman in the side, that pass is always unlikely to come off on most occasions.
This is not the first time that Rangers are having trouble in breaking down teams that sit back and look for a 0-0 draw from the off. The Bears have done well against sides who take them on, and that is when their real class comes in play. That was one of the reasons why they went through to the knock out stages in the Europa League.
Steven Davis and Glen Kamara: 2 assists and 0 goals between them in the league
A lot was being made of the depth in Rangers’ midfield earlier. But it is a January signing who had to come and make the difference against the Hibs. Without Jack, the side has lacked a driving force in the middle. Kamara is yet to score or assist in the Premiership.
Davis has two assists to his name in the league, but the last one came in October. They often take deep roles in the middle, but Gerrard would want more creative spark from them, especially against teams that sit deep with 11 men behind the ball.
The defensive players often get more time on the ball, and it has been frustrating to see Davis and Kamara struggle since the break. When Jack returns, we believe Rangers’ best midfield partnership could be Jack, Arfield and Hagi. Hopefully, the under-fire duo of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara would pick up their game soon to prove their worth.
