A new dawn at Rangers saw them conquering the Scottish crown last season defeating Celtic. Although they failed to defend the domestic silverware, the Gers’ dream run in Europe should be celebrated in spite of the heartbreak at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. They were close to clinching the Europa League glory, but a dreadful spot-kick from Aaron Ramsey rather won it for Eintracht Frankfurt in the tie-breaker.
Despite the setback, Rangers bounced back a few days later and grabbed the Scottish Cup defeating Hearts at Hampden Park. They knocked the Hoops out from the semis to deny them a ‘domestic treble’ and it remains to be seen how the Gers bounce back next season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Light Blues were leading the league race before Steven Gerrard’s egress. The former Ibrox chief decided to step down in favour of Aston Villa and the club appointed Van Bronckhorst at the backend of last year to succeed the Liverpool legend. The Dutchman must restore the supremacy now by shaping his side amid an array of potential exits.
An Overhaul In Deep Defence
Gerrard is eyeing a reunion with Calvin Bassey following his defensive masterclass in the Europa League final. Time is ticking for Connor Goldson who is yet to extend his Ibrox contract, whereas persistent injury problems have refrained Filip Helander and Leon Balogun from securing a regular status.
Meanwhile, the Gers have already tied down Hearts centre-back John Souttar on a Bosman. A loan spell with Hajduk Split must have helped Nikola Katic regain his rhythm after a long injury layoff, however, the Light Blues would still require a prolific centre-half to compete across competitions. A left-back should also be prioritized to challenge and cover Borna Barisic unless they find a way to keep hold of Bassey beyond the summer window.
A Versatile Attacker
While Alfredo Morelos is recovering from a thigh injury picked up with Colombia, Van Bronckhorst must opt for another attacker who would fit in his system in the long run. Cedric Itten does not seem to have a future given his style of play, also the gaffer has not fancied Fashion Sakala high up the pitch during Morelos and Kemar Roofe’s injury absence. He rather preferred Joe Aribo as a makeshift ‘False 9’ on big occasions and the crisis may continue going forward in case they fail to rope in a new attacking ace capable of leading the line as well as offering flexibility across the frontline.
