Rangers made a massive surgery to their squad by roping in as many as 15 players in the summer transfer market. That goes to show how much of an improvement was thought necessary by Steven Gerrard to challenge their major rivals Celtic. Not many expect the Gers to challenge for the title in Gerrard’s first season, but there are already some good signs. The Teddy Bears made it to a European competition main draw after eight years and were on an undefeated run of 12 games. However, as seen in the derby this weekend, the Gers still have some way to go before they can trouble Celtic’s domination.
Here, we try to find what the new signings would bring to the table and their ratings.
Allan McGregor: 10/10
Quite possibly one of the standout signings so far. The former Gers keeper came in on a free transfer and has already established himself as an integral member of this squad. Without him, Rangers’ European hopes would have remained a dream. The veteran is set to play a big part throughout the current campaign.
Scott Arfield: 7/10
A lot was expected of this former Burnley player as he gathered experience in the English top flight in the past few seasons. It is still early days, and he can go on to take his game to the next level, but overall, he remains a decent signing for Gerrard, who spent no transfer fee on him.
Jamie Murphy: 5/10
Unfortunately, the signing of this Brighton left winger has come to nothing for the Gers as he is out for the season with an injury. Gerrard will hope that he can play a crucial role in his setup in the long run.
Nikola Katic: 7.5/10
The Croatian has formed a strong partnership with Connor Goldson and is likely to be a regular feature in the side throughout the campaign. Has shown good signs in a short amount of time.
Connor Goldson: 9/10
The former Brighton centre-back has been a stalwart in defence, and he is a major reason why their defence looks solid this season. More than his footballing abilities, he is also a leader at the back, which is crucial for Gerrard’s side to make an impact on the Premiership.
Jon Flanagan 6/10
The former Liverpool fullback has made a mixed start to his Rangers career. Maybe the fact that he has often played in the left back role has hampered his performance. He is also a player who needs to step up his game soon.
Borna Barisic: 6/10
The left-back has got limited opportunities but has shown the manager that he can be trusted in defence. Needs to work on the attacking attributes of his game
Ryan Kent (Loan): 6/10
The Liverpool loanee has had some decent outing on the wings but has often cut a sorry figure as he has been unable to produce that killer final ball. Expect him to improve as the season continues.
Lassana Coulibaly (Loan): 8/10
The Malian midfielder was missed in the derby. In the earlier games where he started, he looked ominous, and this loan signing from Angers has all the makings to be successful.
Ovie Ejaria (Loan): 7/10
The Liverpool loanee has shown immense potential and is likely to be a massive player for the Gers as the season wears on.
Eros Grezda: 5.5/10
The winger was brought in as a possible replacement for Jamie Murphy who is out for the season. The Albanian international is still untested, but he is known to be a trick master when on the ball. Here we have discussed in length what he can add to the squad.
Kyle Lafferty: 8/10
The former Gers striker came back to the side with a bang scoring a brace early in the season. He has all the signs to form a strong partnership with Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos.
Umar Sadiq (Loan): 5.5/10
The young AS Roma striker hasn’t played much so far. He is likely to be used more as a backup option, and it remains to be seen whether he can come up with the goods at the top level.
Joe Worrall (Loan): 6.5/10
The Nottingham Forest centre-back moved on the last day of the window and is set to be used as a backup option.
Gareth McAuley: 6/10
McAuley was a free agent, and as a result, the Gers managed to sign him even after the window was shut. The 38-year-old veteran will add experience to the squad and would be a decent backup centre-half.
