From what has transpired this season, we have witnessed that Rangers would really have to cover miles to catch their arch rivals, Celtic, on the Scottish soil. Their promotion to the Scottish Premiership was followed by sheer mediocrity as compared to Brendan Rodgers men, who looked far too superior to them in every aspect. If the Gers really want to impose a substantial challenge for domestic glories next season, one of the prime areas they would have to strengthen is their weaponry of the midfield sector.
Pedro Caixinha might be pardoned for getting knocked out by Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup as well as their 5-1 humiliation in the league at the hands of the Celts owing to his infant regime at the Ibrox Stadium but he will have to deliver next season. Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans are two players which the former Al Gharafa boss could possibly lure under his ranks in the summer and were also linked to both these players last month. But at the onset, it has to be seen if these couple of signings would actually make sense.
Dorrans is a central defensive midfielder of a decent reputation who plies his trade for Norwich City. The 21-year-old has adequate experience under his belt, holds the ball meticulously and never refrains from getting into the tight areas. He orchestrates the midfield, dictates the tempo of the game and garners a fair balance between his offensive and defensive endeavours. So far this campaign, the Scot has collected 22 appearances, scoring 6 goals and 1 assist and has also made 1.6 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.5 clearances and 0.1 blocks per game on an average.
Ryan Jack, on the other hand, is a proven Scottish Premiership player and is one of the regular starters for Aberdeen. In 26 appearances in the Scottish top flight this term, he has bagged 2 goals and despite playing in a deeper position, he has carved adequate attacking threat on many occasions. The midfield of the Light Blues has lacked pace and energy more often than not, and Jack is seemingly likely to fit the bill to make Caixinha’s outfit a formidable one.
First and foremost, Rangers would need to knit a midfield with quality players to start challenging Celtic once again. The want for constructing a midfield setup which could shield not only the backline but to also inject some creativity and flair in the final third should tempt the Portuguese manager to document a surgery of his midfield and without any shadow of a doubt, these two proven names are seemingly likely to better them in the upcoming season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
